Des Moines Truck Debris Accident Lawyers
Did Objects in the Road Cause Your Accident?
Highway traffic moves fast, and sudden obstructions in the road can cause catastrophic accidents. It could be cargo falling from a flatbed truck or debris from a wreck. Whatever the cause, crashing into these objects can lead to significant injuries or death.
These accidents often damage the spinal cord, the organs, or the brain, requiring costly medical care and possibly long-term rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident caused by truck debris, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Someone’s negligence caused this to happen to you, and you shouldn’t have to pay for the consequences.
Contact our attorneys at (515) 705-0233 as soon as possible for a free consultation. We can answer whatever questions you have about your case.
Why You Need A Lawyer Right Now
If you’re recovering from a major accident, you need to know that your case is in the right hands.
A skilled lawyer is essential for a successful compensation claim. An accident caused by truck debris can involve claims of serious negligence, with thousands of dollars at stake. Insurance companies are not eager to pay out claims of this magnitude, no matter how legitimate.
An experienced attorney can talk to insurance agents on your behalf so you get the best possible deal. Our attorneys will perform a thorough investigation of the scene of the crash, collecting evidence that proves that another party’s negligence led to your injuries. Your lawyer can gather medical evidence and expert witnesses to make a solid case for your compensation.
Why Should You Hire LaMarca Law Group, P.C.?
The truck debris accident attorneys at LaMarca Law Group, P.C. have represented Des Moines residents for decades. We have many years of experience fighting back against powerful companies and their insurers to protect the rights of our clients. Our top team of legal experts will devote all our energies and resources to making sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Causes of Truck Debris Accidents
In 4 years, roadway debris on U.S. roads caused 500 deaths and more than 200,000 crashes, according to a 2016 AAA report.
More than a third of those fatalities result from a driver swerving to avoid an obstacle in the road, setting off a string of additional accidents. It’s difficult for other cars to avoid a vehicle suddenly veering into their lane.
If a car follows a truck too closely, the driver may not have time to evade debris that falls from the trailer. A hard object flying from a truck bed while the vehicle is moving can crash into the windshield of the car behind, causing its driver to lose control.
These accidents are often preventable and may result from a trucker or other commercial driver failing to secure their cargo. Another common cause is debris from blown tires or vehicle parts from a previous accident.
There are federal and state prohibitions against driving with an unsecured load, and a trucker that allows cargo to fall and cause an accident could be liable for significant damages, in addition to fines or penalties.
These are some examples of cargo that cause obstructions or airborne hazards:
- Concrete blocks or bricks
- Solid or liquid waste
- Crude oil
- Hazardous chemicals
- Loose gravel or dirt
- Metal or wood construction materials
- Machine parts or other industrial materials
- Consumer products or packages
- Furniture or other household goods
- Cars, trucks, or passenger vehicles
- Trailers that become unhitched from a vehicle
- Houses
- Wine, beer, or other beverages in glass containers
In the event of a load coming unsecured or an item flying off a truck bed, multiple parties may be liable. The driver may be responsible for securing the load, but it’s possible that someone else improperly loaded the truck. The trucking company itself may be liable, or even a third-party manufacturer that supplied a faulty loading mechanism or straps that failed to keep the freight tied down.
Typical Injuries in Truck Debris Accidents
Injuries from an accident caused by truck debris may be severe or even deadly. These accidents are often marked by a loss of control and impacts at high speeds, especially for crashes that occur on the highway. Even in non-fatal cases, the injuries an accident victim sustains can be life-altering.
Some of the injuries possible in a truck debris accident include:
- Lacerations, or deep flesh wounds from broken glass or jagged metal
- Organ damage caused by broken bones or debris
- Bone fractures and breaks
- Facial scarring or disfigurement
- Crushed or lost limbs
- Concussion
- Mental or emotional trauma
- Blood loss from severed arteries
- Neck or spinal cord damage, leading to paralysis
- Head trauma, possibly causing permanent brain damage
- Nerve damage
After any accident, it is extremely important to go to the hospital or at least get checked by a doctor. Even if you think you aren’t injured, you may be suffering from hidden injuries that require immediate medical attention. Not only is it dangerous to avoid seeking medical care, but you could also be putting any future claims in jeopardy.
Speak with a Truck Debris Accident Expert Right Away
Accidents involving truck debris can be devastating, requiring a prolonged recovery. If you’ve been in a crash like this, you need a skilled team of experts who can analyze the evidence and put together a strong case so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Our firm represents people facing the same circumstances every day. Call us at (515) 705-0233 or fill out our contact form right now to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.
Common Questions About Truck Debris Accidents
If you’ve just been through an accident caused by truck debris, you likely have a lot of questions regarding your case. A seasoned accident attorney is the best source for information right now, as they can assess the particulars of your own accident and advise you on the best way to proceed. Here are a few answers to common questions.
How do you track down the owner of debris?
Depending on the amount of debris left behind, it may be as easy as identifying a vehicle involved in an earlier accident and whether the debris came from that vehicle. A tire or vehicle part can be matched to a manufacturer and often to the type of vehicle it belongs to. Cargo can be harder to match if there was no previous accident, but witnesses or traffic cameras may provide some evidence.
Who’s responsible in a truck debris accident?
The answer to this question depends on the circumstances of the crash. If a piece of cargo fell off the truck and struck your vehicle, the driver may be liable for not properly securing their load. If another car swerved to avoid an obstruction, either that driver or the one responsible for the debris could be liable. If there was debris in the road and you swerved to avoid it, the owner of the debris could be held liable, although their insurance company may try to argue that the obstruction was easily avoidable. A good lawyer will present a counterargument using other evidence and facts about the accident.
LaMarca Law Group, P.C. has the resources and the experience needed to litigate a case of this level. We understand that recovering from an accident of this nature is a scary ordeal, but we can help.
How long after the accident do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Iowa, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death suits is 2 years. The time limit on cases involving property damage is 5 years. But it’s important to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. In truck debris accidents, the strength of your case depends on what you can prove regarding the obstructions in the roadway at the time of the crash. The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to gather compelling evidence.
What can I expect to be compensated for?
Compensation varies with each case. The severity and scope of your injuries, and the level of negligence contributed by each party, will generally determine how much you receive for the accident, but here are some expenses that compensation may cover:
- Hospitalization and doctors’ bills
- Prescription drug costs
- Long-term rehabilitation and home care
- Replacement of property destroyed in the accident
- Damages for pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological treatment
- Back pay for time spent in recovery
- Household income or consortium lost due to disability or death
- Funeral and burial expenses
When you meet with your attorney, you will discuss how the accident has affected your life, and they can help you determine what sort of compensation you can seek.
We have dedicated our lives to protecting the rights and futures of injured Iowans. We work to ensure that your case is handled while you focus on your recovery.
