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.

• 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.

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.

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.