Truck Accident Lawyer Rapid City, SD

A truck accident lawyer Rapid City, SD victims, and their families need know that the road ahead can be heartbreaking. Injuries from truck accidents are usually severe and, in some cases, fatal. Because of the devastation that can result, drivers should take extra care when operating a vehicle around large trucks. Suffering an accident can be complicated, and might involve more than one liable party. With the services provided by The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP, we can help you navigate each challenge thrown your way. 

Keep Yourself Safe Around Large Trucks

Drivers should always practice extra care when sharing the road with large trucks. For some, you may even experience anxiety when a large truck swerves ahead of you when passing a truck or driving near one in inclement weather. While nothing can truly prepare you for an accident of this magnitude, keeping the following safety tips in mind might protect you from a hazardous situation involving a large truck: 

• Keep your distance, driving 30 feet behind and in front of large trucks
• Vehicles have many blind spots that are critical to avoid
• Take extra caution when passing a large truck, do not linger
• Use your directions
• When changing lanes in front of a truck, leave ample space
• Keep your distance when a truck is turning, as turns are often wide
• Be alert when driving, especially around large trucks

Should an accident involving a large truck occur, the aftermath can be entirely devastating. Injuries are usually substantial, and as a result, it’s important to seek medical care and contact our Rapid City, SD truck accident lawyer for guidance. 

Truck Accident Cases Might Involve Multiple Parties

Should you experience a truck accident, be aware that they are not straightforward cases to navigate. The complexities of a truck accident can be endless and indeed call on an experienced lawyer’s services. One primary reason for this is that most truck accident cases don’t often involve just one party. Sometimes trucking accidents can include:

• Multiple Vehicles
• The Truck Driver
• The Trucking Company
• The Truck Manufacturer
• The Company Loading the Cargo
• Parts Manufacturers

While a truck driver’s negligence may have been a factor, there may be other components to consider. If the truck was improperly loaded, parts were faulty, or trucking companies encouraged bad behavior or had poor practices in place, your lawyer may be able to help you take legal action for the damages you are facing. 

Navigate the Complexities with Our Help

Physical pain and financial losses are just a few of the challenges victims stand to face. Some injuries may result in long-lasting and life-altering injuries. You deserve to provide yourself with the very best when pursuing compensation for the losses you have suffered. Our team will work closely by your side to:

• Support you during this difficult time
• Provide you with a clear direction for your case
• Answer the number of questions you are sure to have
• Make ourselves available to you when you need us
• Contribute the resources we have towards your case
• Assign a clear value to your case
• Negotiate a fair and favorable outcome

No truck accident victim should be left to navigate such challenges without the guidance and support that The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP can provide. Schedule a consultation with our truck accident lawyer serving Rapid City, South Dakota, for our honest review of your case. 

Understanding The Causes Of Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one have been impacted by a truck accident, it would be advantageous to contact a Rapid City, SD truck accident lawyer you can trust at The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP. Truck accidents are a common and devastating occurrence on roads worldwide. These accidents result in significant injuries, fatalities, and property damage, making them a significant concern for road safety. Understanding why truck accidents occur is crucial for improving road safety and reducing their frequency. Truck accidents can be attributed to a combination of factors, including human error, vehicle-related issues, environmental conditions, and regulatory shortcomings. Thankfully, Rapid City truck accident lawyers are available to help answer any questions or concerns their clients may have regarding truck accidents. 

Human Error

Human error is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers, like all motorists, can make mistakes while driving, which can have severe consequences due to the size and weight of their vehicles. Common examples of human error include:

1. Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making abilities. Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight schedules, which can lead to inadequate rest periods.
2. Distraction: Distractions such as using mobile phones, eating, or adjusting in-cab devices can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
3. Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Despite strict regulations, some drivers still engage in such behavior.
4. Speeding: Excessive speed is a common contributing factor to truck accidents. Trucks require longer stopping distances, making it crucial for drivers to adhere to speed limits and maintain safe following distances.

Vehicle-Related Issues

Truck accidents can also occur due to vehicle-related issues, including mechanical failures and inadequate maintenance. Factors contributing to vehicle-related accidents include:

1. Brake failures: Faulty brakes or inadequate maintenance can result in brake failures, making it challenging for truck drivers to stop or slow down when needed.
2. Tire blowouts: Tire blowouts can lead to a loss of control, particularly when driving at high speeds. Proper tire maintenance is essential to prevent such incidents.
3. Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo: Overloading or improper cargo distribution can affect a truck’s stability, increasing the risk of rollovers or accidents.

Environmental Conditions

Adverse environmental conditions can play a significant role in truck accidents. Weather-related factors such as rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and make road surfaces slippery. Trucks, due to their size and weight, are particularly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions. Reduced visibility and slippery roads can lead to accidents, especially if drivers fail to adjust their driving behaviors accordingly.

Regulatory Shortcomings

Truck accidents can also be attributed to regulatory shortcomings within the trucking industry. Some of these issues include:

1. Hours of service violations: Truck drivers are subject to strict regulations regarding the number of hours they can drive consecutively and the mandatory rest periods. Violations of these regulations can result in driver fatigue and accidents.
2. Inadequate training: Some truck drivers may not receive proper training or may not stay up-to-date with industry best practices. Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers can pose a higher risk on the road.
3. Lack of safety technology: Not all trucks are equipped with advanced safety features, such as collision avoidance systems or lane departure warning systems, which could help prevent accidents.

Truck accidents occur due to a complex interplay of factors, including human error, vehicle-related issues, environmental conditions, and regulatory shortcomings. Addressing these causes requires a multifaceted approach, involving improved driver training, stricter enforcement of regulations, better vehicle maintenance practices, and the implementation of advanced safety technologies. By addressing these factors comprehensively, we can work towards reducing the frequency and severity of truck accidents, making our roads safer for all users. Ultimately, ensuring road safety is a shared responsibility among trucking companies, drivers, regulators, and the general public. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to legal assistance and compensation. Contact The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP to schedule your risk-free consultation with a Rapid City truck accident lawyer today.

Common Causes Of Truck Accidents

Working with our Rapid City, SD truck accident lawyer can make a major difference after a serious crash involving a commercial truck. At Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP, we’ve handled many cases where truck accidents have left lasting impacts on victims and their families. From physical injury to financial loss, the aftermath of a trucking accident often requires legal guidance and a clear plan for seeking fair compensation. We’ve compiled this list of common causes of trucking accidents to help drivers become more aware of the dangers when large vehicles are involved.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work long hours, and although regulations limit drive time, fatigue is still a major concern. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to make mistakes. Fatigue-related accidents can occur even when drivers believe they are alert. Our semi-truck lawyers know how to investigate driving logs and work records to determine if fatigue contributed to the collision.

Improperly Secured Cargo

When cargo shifts during transport, it can throw off the balance of the truck or spill onto the roadway. Improper loading practices or failure to follow safety protocols can create dangerous situations for everyone on the road. Our freight truck lawyers can help determine if cargo companies or third-party loaders may also be responsible.

Speeding And Aggressive Driving

Speeding is dangerous in any vehicle, but with trucks weighing tens of thousands of pounds, it can be disastrous. Some drivers push the speed limit to meet deadlines, which increases the risk of rollovers or multi-vehicle pileups. Our big rig lawyers will often examine GPS records and black box data to prove whether speeding was a factor in the crash.

Distracted Driving

Using a phone, eating, or adjusting controls while driving can distract a truck operator just long enough to cause a devastating crash. Given the size and stopping distance of trucks, even a momentary distraction can be fatal. Our Rapid City truck accident attorneys know how to request and analyze mobile device records and witness statements to build strong legal claims in distracted driving cases.

Mechanical Failure

Worn brakes, underinflated tires, or transmission issues can all lead to mechanical failure on the road. Commercial trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles, but some fail to make necessary repairs. Our team investigates maintenance records and inspection histories to determine if mechanical issues should have been addressed before the truck was on the road.

Inadequate Driver Training

Commercial truck driving requires specialized training and licensing. When companies rush new drivers through onboarding or fail to provide comprehensive training, mistakes happen. Our well-prepared tractor-trailer lawyers can examine a driver’s training history and determine whether inadequate preparation contributed to the accident.

Weather And Road Conditions

Poor road conditions and inclement weather require extra caution from truck drivers. When drivers fail to adjust their speed or maintain proper distance, they put others at risk. Although the weather isn’t something anyone can control, failure to drive appropriately in these conditions may still result in legal liability.

We Can Help After A Truck Accident

At Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP, we’ve helped thousands of clients recover after suffering an accident-related injury. In one case, a client we worked with had been involved in a motor vehicle accident, which resulted in a traumatic brain injury and vision deficits. After working with us, this client was able to secure $500,000 in damages. We helped obtain $300,000 for another accident victim who also suffered from a traumatic brain injury. Regardless of the type of injury you’ve sustained, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, contact our Rapid City truck accident lawyers today to schedule a consultation.

Rapid City Truck Accident FAQs

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Rapid City, SD, you may have questions about filing a personal injury claim. At The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP our attorneys have been professionally recognized for their services. We are here to guide you through common questions about collisions and securing legal representation for your case.

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

Truck accident settlements in Rapid City vary widely, ranging from $10,000 to over $1 million, depending on factors like injury severity, medical costs, and lost wages. Serious accidents often result in higher settlements. Evidence of extreme negligence like driving while intoxicated may also increase the amount of damages awarded. Working with our skilled attorney can help you maximize your compensation.

What Is Legally Considered An Accident?

An accident is an unexpected event causing harm or damage. For truck accidents, it involves a collision resulting in injury or property damage due to negligence or error.

How Much Does A Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win. With no upfront costs, it is definitely to your advantage to work with our firm for any personal injury claim. Attorney fees typically range and are paid as a percentage of your settlement or award. We offer free initial consultations where our skilled attorney will evaluate your case and explain possible outcomes so you know what to expect by pursuing legal action.

Why Do I Need A Truck Accident Lawyer?

Our legal team has over 60 years of combined experience. We help accident victims understand the legal process, handle insurance companies, gather crucial evidence, and receive fair compensation for injuries and damages. Truck accidents are more complicated than standard car accidents. Multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, trucking company, manufacturer, and possibly others. Additionally, trucking companies and drivers are governed by a range of federal and state regulations, such as weight limits, driver hours, and maintenance standards, which can complicate the legal process. 

What Should I Do Immediately After A Truck Accident?

If you’re involved in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is call 911 to report the accident and request help. Be sure to document the scene by taking photos of the accident and collecting contact information from any witnesses. Exchange details with the truck driver, including insurance and identification information. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Lastly, contact our firm to protect your rights and to begin building your case.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Rapid City, SD, managing the legal process can be overwhelming, but having the right legal support can make all the difference. At The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your rights, maximize your compensation, and guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, or negotiating a settlement, we are here to protect your interests and ensure you receive the justice you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.

Truck Accident Glossary

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, you’ll likely encounter several legal terms during the claims process. These terms often come up when discussing liability, compensation, and how to proceed with legal action. Below, we’ve outlined common legal language used in these cases, along with clear definitions, to help you feel more informed when speaking with our truck accident lawyer or evaluating your legal options.

Contingency Fee Basis

Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means clients do not pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, the lawyer only receives payment if compensation is successfully recovered, usually as a percentage of the final settlement or court award. This arrangement allows injured individuals to access legal help without worrying about hourly rates or out-of-pocket costs. 

Personal Injury Claim

A personal injury claim is a legal action filed by someone who has been hurt due to another party’s wrongful actions or failure to act responsibly. In truck accident cases, this type of claim seeks financial recovery for losses such as emergency medical treatment, surgery, physical therapy, lost income from time off work, and pain and suffering. Personal injury claims are often filed against insurance companies representing the trucking business or other at-fault parties.

Settlement

A settlement is a legally binding agreement between the injured party and the party responsible (or their insurance company) to resolve the claim without a trial. In most truck accident cases, settlement negotiations begin after the attorney gathers evidence and submits a formal demand for compensation. These discussions often involve back-and-forth offers until both sides reach an acceptable number. Settlements are common because they save time, reduce legal expenses, and give clients more control over the outcome. However, it’s important to remember that once a settlement is signed, you typically waive your right to pursue further compensation. Our award-winning truck accident lawyer can assess whether a settlement offer truly reflects the full scope of your losses, both current and future, and advise whether to accept or push forward.

Verdict

If a case proceeds to trial, the outcome is determined by a judge or jury and referred to as a verdict is the final ruling in a courtroom trial, where a judge or jury determines whether the defendant is legally responsible and what compensation, if any, should be awarded. Reaching a verdict requires a formal trial process, including discovery, witness testimony, cross-examination, and legal arguments. Verdicts can sometimes yield higher compensation than settlements, particularly if the evidence strongly favors the plaintiff. However, trials also carry risks, including uncertainty about the outcome and a longer timeline. If your truck accident case goes to trial, our attorney will present compelling evidence and arguments designed to show that the other party’s conduct directly caused your injuries. We will also fight for a verdict that covers the full range of your damages, including economic losses and emotional suffering.

Regulatory Violations

Trucking companies and drivers must follow strict federal and state regulations, such as maintaining driving logs, adhering to rest periods, and ensuring vehicles are inspected regularly. Violating these “Hours of Service” or other safety rules can be a sign of negligence and may serve as key evidence in your case. With over sixty years of experience, our team at Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP, is committed to helping injured clients make sense of their legal options after a serious truck accident. If you’ve been hurt and want to discuss whether you have a claim, we can guide you through the process and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.