• By: Allen Brown

Expert Insights from Edmonton Truck Accident Attorneys

Behind the Wheel: Insights from an Edmonton Truck Accident Lawyer on Complex Liability Cases

Truck accidents can cause serious harm due to their huge size and weight.

These cases often become complex, especially if multiple parties are involved in the crash.

Due to this reason, it is important to understand who holds responsibility.

In this article, Edmonton truck accident lawyer, Michael Hoosein is going to share some insights about complex liability cases.

Being a professional, he is going to offer essential information to help individuals understand complicated truck accidents.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Complex?

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Truck accidents pose unique challenges compared to regular car accidents, making them more complex to handle legally. Here’s why:

Severe Injuries

Truck accidents often cause serious injuries or even fatalities due to the sheer size difference. Calculating damages becomes difficult due to high medical costs and long-term care needs.

Specialized Insurance

Trucking companies have specific insurance policies, making settlement negotiations complex and requiring deep knowledge of insurance law.

Multiple Parties Involved

These accidents can include various parties like the truck driver, company, and manufacturer. Sorting out liability among them requires extensive investigation.

Federal Regulations

The trucking industry operates under strict federal rules, impacting liability determination based on compliance with safety standards.

Evidence Preservation

Trucking companies might tamper with evidence post-accident, emphasizing the need for swift legal action to preserve crucial proof.

Cargo Issues

Improper cargo loading contributes to accidents involving an investigation into shipping and trucking practices.

Driver Qualifications

Driver compliance with regulations and training history affects the case, necessitating a thorough record review.

Jurisdictional Complexity

Accidents across state lines add legal complexities, demanding an understanding of interstate laws.

If you ever get into an Edmonton truck accident, contact a truck accident law firm for consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Edmonton

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Truck accidents are a serious problem in Edmonton, often resulting in severe injuries and damage. Here are some common causes of these accidents:

  • Distracted driving
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • Mechanical failures
  • Driver fatigue
  • Improper loading
  • Lack of experience or training

Types of Truck Accidents in Edmonton

Common types of truck collisions caused by unsafe driving maneuvers include:

  • Rear-end accidents
  • Head-on collisions
  • Sideswipe accidents
  • Jackknife accidents
  • Explosion accidents
  • Truck rollover accidents

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident due to another driver’s negligence, it’s crucial to seek legal advice promptly from a truck accident law firm.

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While all motor vehicle collisions can cause severe harm, the aftermath of a large truck accident can be especially devastating. Common injuries in truck accidents include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic head and brain injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Internal bleeding
  • Rib fractures
  • Damage to internal organs
  • Bruising
  • Psychological trauma
  • Broken bones
  • Deep cuts requiring stitches
  • Chemical burns

Even minor truck accidents can lead to serious injuries. Because of this reason, it is important to contact truck accident attorneys.

Where Do Truck Accidents Happen in Edmonton?

A common location for these incidents occurs at local traffic intersections, where truck drivers often neglect to give precedence to other vehicles when required.

Some dangerous intersections and roads in the area include:

  • I42 Street and I07 Avenue on Highway 2
  • Highway 216
  • Yellowhead Trail and I49 Street

Statistics on Truck Accidents in Edmonton

Here are some key statistics specific to truck accidents in Edmonton:

  • In a recent year, Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics reported 604 injuries and 45 fatalities resulting from truck accidents.
  • Commercial vehicle collisions and casualties have shown a downward trend between 2012 and 2021, with fluctuations attributed to COVID-19 restrictions.
  • In 2021, there were 36,031 commercial vehicle collisions, a 20% decrease from 2012, with a notable decrease in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions.
  • Fatalities in commercial vehicle collisions decreased by over 14% between 2012 and 2021, with 343 fatalities reported in 2021.
  • Straight trucks, tractor-trailers, and buses are the most frequently involved commercial vehicles in collisions.
  • The majority of fatal commercial vehicle collisions in Edmonton occur on rural roads, while injury collisions happen more often on urban roads.
  • Most commercial vehicle drivers involved in fatal collisions in Edmonton are between the ages of 35 and 64, with the highest frequency in the 45 to 54 age group.
  • Factors such as fatigue, distraction/inattention, and driving too fast for conditions are commonly reported as contributing factors in commercial vehicle collisions.

Source: Transport Canada

Parties Potentially Liable In Truck Accidents

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Identifying potential parties liable in truck accidents is vital for legal proceedings. Here’s who may be held accountable:

· Truck drivers for negligent operation.

· Trucking companies for inadequate maintenance.

· Manufacturers for defective truck parts.

· Cargo loaders for improper loading.

· Government entities for road maintenance negligence.Top of Form

Case Studies

  1. Fatal Edmonton Pedestrian Collision: Dump Truck Accident

A 64-year-old man was fatally struck by a dump truck while crossing 53 Avenue at 105 Street in south Edmonton. The collision occurred around 3:30 p.m., with the victim pronounced dead at the scene. Police closed off the area for investigation, and the truck driver is cooperating.

Source: Edmonton Journal

  1. Highway Collision: Semi-Truck Equipment Mishap

A sedan collided with an 800-pound anchor case that fell off a flatbed trailer on Highway 28 near Vilna. The incident caused significant front-end damage to the car, leading it to veer off the road. RCMP seeks information on the whereabouts of the truck involved.

Source: Edmonton Journal

Types of Compensation Available

Here are the various forms of compensation victims can get:

· Medical expenses coverage for treatments and therapies.

· Lost wages compensation for time away from work.

· Pain and suffering damages for physical and emotional distress.

· Property damage reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement.

· Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence or misconduct.

A truck law firm can help you get fair condensation.

The Role of Truck Accident Attorneys

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Truck accidents are different from regular motor accidents and demand specialized legal expertise. Here’s why hiring a truck accident law firm is important:

  • Attorneys offer guidance through complex legal processes.
  • They conduct thorough investigations to gather crucial evidence.
  • A truck accident law firm will analyze liability factors and hold responsible parties accountable.
  • They negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation.
  • Truck accident attorneys preserve important evidence.
  • They represent clients in court proceedings if necessary.
  • Attorneys deal with jurisdictional complexities in interstate cases.
  • They have specialized knowledge of trucking laws and regulations.