Truck Accident Lawyer & Semi Crash Attorney

Serving Clients in Springfield, Greenfield, Northampton, and Throughout Massachusetts

Commercial semi-truck crashes – those involving 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers that transport goods across the country – are fundamentally different than crashes involving passenger vehicles or non-interstate delivery vehicles.  Interstate truck drivers and their companies must comply with comprehensive federal trucking regulations that only apply to truck drivers, including those concerning safety inspections, hours of service regulations, electronic logging device (ELD) documentation, and comprehensive insurance requirements.

As a result, if you or a family member has been injured, or if a family member has been killed, in a semi accident, it will be important that you speak with an experienced commercial truck crash lawyer so that you can get the proper representation that you’ll need.  At Alekman DiTusa, we have the experience and tenacity needed to take on trucking companies and their insurance carriers in seeking full and fair compensation for our clients.

Success Stories

$675,000 Personal Injury Settlement

Call Us Today at 413-781-000 for a Free Consultation.  Talk to Us About Your Case!

There are no fees unless compensation is recovered.  Additionally, we advance all costs during the course of litigation, so you will not have to pay the substantial costs that may be incurred with your case while it is ongoing (these costs are normally repaid from settlements or jury awards if the case is successful).

We know that truck crashes and other injuries can have a devastating impact on a family, beyond just the person who may have been hurt.  Often, the person injured may be the breadwinner, and may be unable to work while recovering from an injury.  A family will need to work through this difficult time.  We will work to understand how an injury or wrongful death has affected your family so that we can seek full compensation for you.

We can additionally help to speak with medical providers and insurance companies to let them know that we are pursuing compensation on your behalf.

We look forward to serving you and your family!

About Truck Accident Cases

Over 100,000  semi-truck accidents occur each year, many of which result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.[1]  In 2017 (the most recent year for which large truck crash statistics are available), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that 4,237 people died in trucking accidents.[2]

Because the average commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds when fully-loaded, 18-wheeler and large truck crashes often cause devastating injuries that have lifetime implications for injured victims and their families.  Further, because cars and SUVs typically weigh less than 4,000 pounds, those who suffer the most significant injuries are typically not negligent truck drivers; rather, they are regular everyday drivers and passengers.

Our Representation of Those Injured in Semi-Crashes

At Alekman DiTusa, we represent drivers, passengers, cyclists, bikers, pedestrians, and others who have been hurt in accidents involving large trucks or tractor-trailers.  If you were injured in a trucking accident, it is vital to know that your case is in the best possible hands.  Commercial truck accidents can be far more devastating and complicated than regular car accidents; thus, they should only be handled by a firm with years of experience and a record of success in handling injury and wrongful death cases.

Our experienced truck accident attorneys have been litigating high-stakes personal injury cases for over two decades, and have successfully helped crash victims collect millions in compensation.

What Should I Do After a Truck Crash in Massachusetts?

After a truck accident, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries are seemingly minor.  In many cases, victims do not experience symptoms for several days and forgo seeking treatment.  Unfortunately, this can make obtaining compensation more difficult, as timely documentation may not exist, leaving the door open for insurance companies and at-fault drivers to argue that the injuries were sustained at a different time.

Preserving Evidence

Preserving evidence is crucial to proving liability in a collision, but evidence can be lost, misplaced, or purposefully destroyed by commercial drivers, trucking companies, or insurance providers.  Therefore, it can be critical to reach out to us as soon as possible.  As experienced personal injury attorneys, we can:

• help preserve vital pieces of evidence, including the vehicles involved in the crash,
• secure the scene of an accident,
• take photos of the damages,
• request police reports,
• collect witness statements and contact information.

How Much Does Alekman DiTusa Charge for Truck Accident Cases?

We only charge a fee if (and only if) compensation is recovered.  Our firm operates exclusively on contingency, meaning that we collect a predetermined percentage of the settlement or verdict.  However, if we are unsuccessful in securing compensation, no fee is owed.  This helps ensure that our cases are handled with the urgency and tenacious dedication that clients deserve.  Before commencing representation, we are always happy to answer any questions and explain our fees in straightforward, understandable terms.

How Are Big Rig and Large Truck Accidents Different from Regular Vehicle Crashes?

The trucking industry is regulated by federal and state laws that establish rules and regulations that must be followed by all trucking companies and drivers.  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) primarily regulate this industry and uphold the standards established by the Federal Motor Carrier Act regarding interstate trucking.

When an individual is involved in an accident involving a semi-truck, big rig, large truck, or interstate commercial driver who fails to abide by the federal regulations, the driver and the trucking company can be liable for all injuries.  Trucking companies and their drivers must follow many laws, including:

• Hours of Service Regulations. In the past, the amount of time that truckers could be on the road was not regulated; consequently, many drivers would work for days without rest, increasing accidents attributable to sleep deprivation.  Now, operators of commercial trucks can only work for limited periods and must take 30-minute breaks every eight hours.  These time restrictions are referred to as the “Hours of Service” regulations.[3]

• Documenting Compliance with Hours of Service and Other Regulations. In connection with documenting the Hours of Service regulations, interstate truck drivers were required to document the times and mileage that they drove each day, as well as other matters, in a written logbook.  It was, however, very easy for drivers to falsify logbook information and to exceed the Hours of Service requirements, and to earn additional money by doing so.  Now, drivers are generally required to use what is known as an “Electronic Logging Device” (or ELD), which electronically tracks driving time and related matters (and thus makes in extremely difficult for drivers to exceed the Hours of Service rules).  In a truck crash case, we will want to obtain these records, as it may help in proving liability.

• Commercial Driver’s License. Drivers of 18-wheelers and other large trucks are required to have a commercial driver’s license and uphold special driving laws and standards.  If a trucker is involved in an accident and does not have the proper license, it can bolster a victim’s claim against the driver and their employer.

• Truck Quality. Because improper maintenance or faulty repairs often lead to accidents, federal regulations also apply to both the manufacturing and repair of commercial trucks.  If a truck defect causes an accident, the manufacturer, supplier, or repairer of the truck could be liable.

• Weight Maximums. Commercial trucks are only allowed to haul up to certain maximums based on the size of the vehicle.  For instance, a double-axle truck can haul 34,000 pounds, while a single-axle truck can only pull 20,000 pounds.  If an accident occurs, it can be critical to the outcome of a case to determine whether weight maximums were exceeded.

• Hazardous Waste Transport. Hazardous waste spills can be extremely dangerous. As such, the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) developed safety regulations for transporting unsafe substances.  If a truck driver or company does not comply with these rules and an individual sustains injury due to their negligent behavior, they could be liable for damages.  Further, companies transporting hazardous chemicals are required to be insured for considerable amounts, meaning that it may be possible to collect more if a driver was transporting toxic chemicals at the time of an accident.

• Negligent Hiring. Trucking companies have a responsibility to the public to ensure that they are properly vetting their employees.  If a company fails to do so and negligently hires a bad driver by, for example, hiring someone without a license or who has multiple drunk driving convictions, they could be liable for any injuries caused by that employee.

• Negligent Driver Training. Trucking companies also have a duty to train new drivers, as well as to continue to educate their drivers on safety matters.  If a company allows drivers who are not adequately trained to drive for them, they could also be liable for such failure.

How Much Money Can I Collect in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

If you were injured in a big rig, 18-wheeler, or commercial trucking accident, you might be entitled to compensation for the following:

• Medical Expenses
• Ambulance Fees
• In-Home Care
• Pain and Suffering
• Lost Wages
• Lost Earning Capacity
• Loss of Companionship for family members
• Punitive Damages (in death cases with proof of gross negligence or willful or wanton conduct)

Under the Federal Trucking Regulations Act, trucks over 10,000 pounds must maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $750,000.  If hazardous substances are onboard, then a minimum of $1,000,000 in coverage must be maintained.  In some cases, higher coverage limits may also be required.

These are just the minimums, however, and most trucking companies carry coverage extending into the millions of dollars.  Thus, accident victims and families with valid claims usually have a much better chance of obtaining full compensation in lawsuits involving commercial trucks than accidents involving non-commercial drivers (who usually have significantly less insurance coverage).

What Types of Truck Accidents Do You Represent?

At Alekman DiTusa, we represent victims in all types of truck accidents, including but not limited to:

• Drunk Driving
• Distracted Driving
• Speeding
• Reckless or Illegal Lane Changes
• Vehicle Defects
• Deficient Maintenance
• Weight Limit Violations
• Improperly Packed Trucks
• Driver Hours of Service Violations
• Driver Fatigue

How Does the Litigation Process Work for Truck Crashes?

From preserving evidence at the scene to conducting an investigation and negotiating with at-fault parties and insurance companies, our tenacious truck accident lawyers help clients throughout every step of a claim.  At Alekman DiTusa, our typical process involves the following steps:

• Compile Documentation. We assist in gathering records related to claims, including medical records, hospital and medical bills, and insurance policy information.  This documentation helps us understand the extent of an injury and build a case for maximum compensation.

• Conduct an Investigation. Our experienced team of lawyers is dedicated to completing a thorough investigation into each truck wreck, as well as proving driver and company negligence.  During our investigations, we review police and accident reports, interview witnesses, investigate accident scenes, examine driver credentials, obtain truck weights, review driving logs, and determine whether any state or local laws were violated. We also want to preserve crashed vehicles and, importantly, seek the event recorders (also referred to as “black boxes”) which hold information like vehicle speed at the time of the crash.

• File a Demand and Lawsuit. Once evidence is gathered and our investigation is complete, we will file a demand against all those who we believe are liable.  In most cases we are able to secure a fair settlement without filing a lawsuit, but in other cases it will be necessary to file a lawsuit against all those who we believe are legally liable in seeking compensation for damages, including for injuries, pain and suffering, material losses, and other damages that are compensable.

• Negotiate a Settlement. Once a strong case is built, we negotiate with all responsible parties, including trucking companies, drivers, parts manufacturers, and other third parties, and vigorously work to get the maximum compensation possible.

• Fight in Court. While most cases settle, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, we can aggressively fight in court to get our clients every dollar to which they are rightfully entitled. As trial lawyers, we are confident in presenting our case to a jury and letting them determine fault and fair compensation.

Call Our Office to Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Experienced Massachusetts Truck Accident Lawyers!

We are lawyers you can talk to. We’ll help you understand your options, and provide you with the attention and dedication you deserve. Call our law office at 413-781-0000 or send us an e-mail to discuss the facts of your case. If we take your injury case, there are absolutely no legal fees until you win your case.

[2] Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2017, FMCSA, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2017.

[3] https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations