Truck Accident FAQ

What is a commercial truck? How are truck accidents different from other types of vehicle accidents?

Commercial trucks, also known as a tractor trailers or big rigs, are trucks driven for business purposes, most often used in the transport of commercial goods. Commercial trucks include freight trucks, tanker trucks, and delivery trucks.

Truck accidents typically cause more damage and more severe injuries than accidents involving only passenger vehicles. Weighing upwards of 70,000 pounds, trucks cause a greater force of impact when involved in a collision. Their immense weight can also lead to frequent blowouts, which can cause unexpected collisions.

In addition to general traffic laws, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow an entirely separate set of local, state, and federal safety regulations. The truck accident lawyers at Bottaro Law understand these laws, and we’re ready to help you.

What should I do after a truck accident?
  • Seek medical attention immediately.
    No matter how mild your injuries may seem, you should get medical attention as soon as possible. Even minor injuries can become serious if not treated properly.
  • Contact a lawyer.
    After a truck accident, you’ll likely be approached by investigators and insurance adjusters hired by the trucking company. Their main objective is to minimize possible expenses and legal liability for the trucking company, so they may offer you a lowball settlement. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible can help protect your rights to compensation before accepting a low settlement or offering a statement.
Why should I hire an attorney to help me with my truck accident case?

Truck accident claims are complex. You may be dealing with truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck owners. If you’re not familiar with the trucking industry, it can feel overwhelming to handle on your own. The trucking company’s insurance agent may try to get you to settle quickly and for less than you deserve, but an experienced lawyer can help you determine the full value of your losses.

At Bottaro Law, we know how to thoroughly investigate truck accident cases, and it’s our goal to get you maximum compensation. We deal directly with our clients’ insurance companies and medical providers on their behalf so they can focus on getting better.

Who can be held liable for my truck accident-related injuries?

There are several parties who may be held liable for a truck accident. Depending on the circumstances of your truck accident, responsible parties may include:

  • The truck driver
  • The owner of the rig
  • The owner of the trailer and/or the cab
  • The owner of any freight being delivered
  • The manufacturer of the trailer, cab, or another part of the truck
  • A third-party maintenance and/or service company

Before determining who was at fault, there are a number of factors that must be considered, including the truck’s weight, the state of the truck driver, and any recent truck maintenance. If you’re unfamiliar with truck accidents, it’s helpful to have a lawyer on your side who understands Rhode Island and Massachusetts trucking laws and who has experience standing up to trucking companies and their insurers.

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Case Results

  • $1,500,000.00

    $1,500,000.00 Pre-Trial Settlement: Our client was a passenger in a ride share vehicle that slammed into a truck, causing life altering cervical fractures amongst other injuries. This case involved numerous experts and overcoming a challenging seat belt defense.

  • $1,200,000.00

    $1,200,000.00 Settlement: In this product liability case, our young client lost her eye due to a defective air bag. We acted fast to preserve the evidence and retain top experts who tested the vehicle. The result was settlement with national counsel for a major auto manufacturer.

  • $1,000,000.00

    $1,000,000.00 Pre-Trial Settlement: Our client was struck as a pedestrian by a commercial vehicle on a job site resulting in multiple fractures and emergency surgeries. We helped establish life altering pelvic fractures with a loss in earning capacity.

  • $660,000.00

    $660,000.00 Pre-Trial Motorcycle Crash Settlement: When the insurance company denied the claim outright ($0), Mike litigated this case through discovery, engaging renowned experts in the fields of accident reconstruction and physical medicine.

  • $600,000.00

    $600,000.00 Commercial Truck Crash Settlement: When a truck driver dropped steel beams form his load onto Rte. 10, the resulting crash caused our client to suffer multi-level disc injury resulting in emergency cervical surgery.

  • $650,000.00

    $650,000.00 Pre-Trial RI Slip and Fall Settlement: Regional market failed to correct a leaky roof and entranceway, causing our client to sustain a devestating knee injury. Mike litigated this case through discovery over the course of severla years.

  • $500,000.00

    $500,000.00 Rhode Island Nursing Home Abuse Pre-Trial Settlement: Insurer offers $0 pre-litigation. Mike litigates the case working with several experts to prove deviation in standard of care resulting in client who suffered amputations from complications after a nursing home injury.

  • $500,000.00

    $500,000.00 Massachusetts Wrongful Death Car Accident Policy Limit Settlement: The insurer originally denied the claim and had serious questions about whether the collision ultimately caused the death months later of an elderly gentleman.

  • $500,000.00

    $500,000.00 Policy Limit Settlement: In this homeowner policy limit insurance case, a handyman’s negligence cost our client his loss of eye. Our legal research on agency law carried the day.

  • $325,000.00

    $325,000.00 Settlement Following Arbitration: Our North Kingstown, RI client was injured in a bike accident, fracturing his patella and requiring emergency surgery. We worked with experts, including a life care planner to ensure our client received fair compensation.

  • $1,200,000.00

    Auto products liability case involving airbag deployment resulting in loss of vision in one eye and facial fractures.

  • $660,000.00

    A 61-year-old man underwent emergency surgery and a knee replacement procedure due to injuries sustained in a serious motorcycle accident.

  • $650,000.00

    A pre-trial settlement was reached for our client who suffered a knee injury requiring multiple surgeries.

  • $600,000.00

    Our client suffered multi-level disc injury when steel I-beams fell from a commercial truck on Route 10 resulting in multiple cervical surgeries.

  • $500,000.00

    Personal Injury Attorney Mike Bottaro helps client who suffered amputations from complications after a nursing home injury.

  • $500,000.00

    This case involved an elderly couple and their granddaughter who were injured after a car turned left in front of their vehicle. The injuries for the woman involved a fractured neck, broken ribs, and an eventual stroke. The man suffered from various injuries from which he never recovered, resulting in his untimely death.

  • $325,000.00

    This case involved deviations in the standard of care involving pressure ulcers resulting in death.

  • $325,000.00

    Our North Kingstown, RI, client was injured in a bike accident, fracturing his patella and requiring emergency surgery. We worked with experts, including a life care planner to ensure our client received fair compensation.

More Case Results