Interstate 80 is one of the primary east west freight corridors in the country, and is certainly the busiest in the state of Iowa for heavy trucks. Originally constructed between 1958 and 1972, I-80’s capacity is reaching the tipping point in some rural areas and has already exceeded capacity in the Des Moines and Quad Cities Metro areas leading to massive highway construction projects to add more lanes. The high volume of heavy trucks traversing Iowa everyday on over or near-capacity highways combined with numerous construction projects makes the potential for truck accidents high – accidents involving trucks injure tens of thousands of motorists every year in the U.S.
When a family member is seriously injured in a car accident involving a commercial truck, there are typically a number of parties that may be liable – responsible parties who must compensate victims or their families for damages. Because multiple parties may be liable, truck and car accidents are a more complicated type of personal injury case requiring a legal team experienced in truck accidents.
Not only are their numerous laws and regulations that govern the industry, there are typically multiple factors that contribute to an accident. It may be that a negligent truck driver played a role by speeding, driving recklessly, engaging in distracted or fatigued driving, driving while impaired or that the driver and/or their company ignored regulations.
Shipping companies moving cargo can also play a role in an accident – particularly in overloaded or unevenly loaded trucks – as can the party who services a truck if it the truck is not properly fixed, serviced or maintained.
Even a design or manufacturing flaw of the truck can point to liability – with designers, manufacturers and all parties along the supply chain liable when brake lines or steering systems fail or tires blowout and any other number of design or manufacturing problems that can lead to accidents on the road.
Where highway construction is a factor in a motor vehicle accident, construction companies who neglect to properly follow traffic control procedures may also be partially responsible for damages. Anything from Inadequate signage to equipment on the road can pose a risk to motorists.
Injury accidents involving trucks are complex because there are many parties that may play a role. If you or a family member is injured in an accident involving a truck, it is important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney to pursue maximum compensation from all liable parties. If you or a family member is injured in a car or truck accident, contact the Davenport car accident lawyers of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC for immediate assistance today at 563-355-6478.