Truck Accident Lawyer Morgantown, WV

​Our Morgantown, WV truck accident lawyer is dedicated to representing truck accident victims throughout West Virginia. Attorney Eric Hayhurst knows firsthand the catastrophic effects these accidents can have on individuals and their families. His goal is to make sure that those impacted by truck accidents receive the compensation they deserve, and he approaches every case with a focus on thorough investigation and personalized legal support. Contact Hayhurst Law PLLC today to schedule a consultation.

Truck accident cases are different from typical car accident cases due to the strict regulations governing the trucking industry. As a seasoned Morgantown truck accident lawyer, Eric has extensive experience dealing with both federal and state laws, including Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, truck maintenance standards, and cargo loading rules. By understanding these regulations, our legal team can identify any violations that may have contributed to your accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Table of Contents

• Truck Accident Lawyer Morgantown, WV
• How Our Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
• Key Factors Behind Truck Accidents
• Morgantown Truck Accident Infographic
• Morgantown Truck Accident FAQs
• Hayhurst Law PLLC, Morgantown Truck Accident Lawyer
• Contact Our Morgantown Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Morgantown

Truck accidents can occur for numerous reasons, many of which are preventable. Based on our experience, some of the most common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often face pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to fatigue and impaired decision-making.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Due to the size and weight of trucks, speeding significantly increases the risk of severe accidents.
• Improper Maintenance: Failure to maintain vehicles can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake or tire malfunctions.
• Distracted Driving: Actions like using a cellphone or eating while driving can divert attention from the road.
• Overloaded Trucks: Trucks carrying excessive cargo can experience reduced braking efficiency and increased rollover risk.

Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties. While it may seem that the truck driver is the only one at fault, other entities, such as the trucking company, cargo loaders, or even the manufacturer of the truck parts, could share responsibility. For instance, if a truck’s brake system fails due to poor maintenance, the maintenance provider could be liable. Similarly, if a trucking company pushes drivers to exceed legal driving hours, it can be held accountable for negligence.

When you work with Eric Hayhurst and his team, we will identify every responsible party to maximize your compensation. Our goal is to take the stress of the legal process off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.

How Our Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Our Morgantown truck accident lawyer is here to help you recover the compensation that you deserve. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to recover various forms of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covers current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work and potential future earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to your vehicle and other personal property.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence, such as a trucking company’s repeated safety violations, you may be entitled to punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer.

Steps We Take to Build a Strong Truck Accident Case

We employ a comprehensive approach to build the strongest case possible for our clients. This includes:

1. Collecting Evidence: Gathering critical evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and eyewitness statements.
2. Identifying Liable Parties: Investigating all potential parties, from the truck driver to the trucking company and beyond.
3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Handling all communications with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement.
4. Litigating When Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court to make sure your rights are protected.

Understanding Federal and State Trucking Regulations

Representing truck accident cases requires a deep understanding of the various laws and regulations that apply to the trucking industry. Our personal injury legal team stays up-to-date with all federal and state regulations, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, which govern everything from driving hours to truck maintenance. If any violations are identified, we will use this information to strengthen your case.

Making the Right Choice With Hayhurst Law PLLC

Key Factors Behind Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often lead to life-altering consequences, leaving victims with significant injuries, emotional strain, and financial burdens. At Hayhurst Law PLLC, we’ve seen how these incidents frequently stem from preventable causes. As a dedicated Morgantown truck accident lawyer, we aim to help victims by identifying the root causes and holding responsible parties accountable. Below are the most common issues contributing to truck accidents in our area.

• Fatigue Among Truck Drivers

Truck drivers often face intense schedules, striving to meet tight delivery deadlines. Unfortunately, these pressures can lead to extreme fatigue, impacting focus, reaction times, and judgment. When a tired driver operates a massive commercial vehicle, the results can be devastating for everyone on the road.

• Dangerous Speeds And Reckless Driving

Speeding is a particularly serious concern when it comes to large trucks. The sheer weight and size of these vehicles make it harder to stop or maneuver safely at high speeds. Reckless driving, such as aggressive lane changes or tailgating, can also significantly raise the chances of a catastrophic accident.

• Neglected Truck Maintenance

Commercial trucks require routine maintenance to stay roadworthy. When companies or drivers skip inspections or ignore necessary repairs, trucks can experience mechanical failures. Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering issues are common consequences of poor maintenance, and each can lead to severe accidents.

• Distracted Driving Behaviors

Distractions behind the wheel are a leading cause of accidents for all vehicles, but the stakes are even higher for truck drivers. Activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting onboard systems divert attention from the road. When a driver loses focus, even for a moment, the results can be tragic.

• Overloading Trucks

Trucking regulations limit the amount of cargo a vehicle can safely carry, but overloaded trucks remain a problem. Excessive weight can compromise braking systems, increase the likelihood of rollovers, and put undue strain on tires and suspension systems. These risks not only endanger the truck driver but also everyone else on the road.

Morgantown Truck Accident Infographic

Morgantown Truck Accident FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Morgantown?

First, seek medical attention for any injuries, then contact law enforcement to file a report. Gather evidence at the scene, if possible, and reach out to our personal injury attorney for legal guidance.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident in Morgantown?

Depending on the circumstances, the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance crew, or even cargo loaders could be held responsible for a truck accident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

In West Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?

You may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Investigate the Accident?

Our accident lawyer gathers evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records. We also work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.

Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Offers a Settlement?

Yes, it’s advisable. Insurance companies often offer low settlements. Our truck crash attorney can evaluate the offer and negotiate so that you receive fair compensation.

Hayhurst Law PLLC, Morgantown Truck Accident Lawyer

34 Commerce Dr Suite 203, Westover WV, 26501

Contact Our Morgantown Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Time is of the essence due to the statute of limitations on personal injury cases in West Virginia. Our Morgantown truck accident lawyer is here to guide you through every step of the legal process and help you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Contact Hayhurst Law PLLC today for a free consultation and let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.

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