When addressing the legal complexities and risks of accidents involving large trucking companies like Schneider National, it’s essential to consider the increased vulnerability of these vehicles due to their substantial presence on highways.
Schneider National has been involved in over a thousand crashes, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities. This highlights a broader trend where commercial trucks are involved in a disproportionate number of highway fatalities and injury accidents despite making up a smaller percentage of road traffic.
Navigating claims against a large trucking company requires dealing with robust defenses and complex federal transportation regulations. The involvement of these state and federal regulations often means that multiple parties could be liable, including the truck driver, the company, and even the manufacturers.
Proper legal support is crucial if you’ve been involved in a truck accident, especially with large truck companies, like Schneider National. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts. Offering services nationwide, we are adept at handling the nuances of state and federal laws to ensure comprehensive legal support.
Understanding Schneider Truck Crashes
Schneider National is one of the largest trucking companies in the United States, with headquarters in Green Bay. It is renowned for its extensive fleet of orange commercial vehicles and a broad network that facilitates freight transportation across North America.
As a significant player in the trucking industry and the logistics and transportation industry, Schneider’s operations encompass truckload, intermodal, and logistics services, making it a pivotal entity in the supply chain sector.
Notable Schneider National Truck Accident Cases
Schneider National has been involved in several notable accidents over the years. For instance, a tragic incident in 2017 resulted in a Georgia jury awarding a $47 million verdict against Schneider. This happened after an accident involving the company driver led to catastrophic injuries and the death of a 35-year-old. The court found the company and the driver fully responsible for the death. [1]
Furthermore, Schneider’s records reveal various violations and incidents by truck operators. Over two years ending in 2019, Schneider trucks were involved in 910 crashes, 22 of which were fatal and 275 of which resulted in injuries. These incidents included violations such as speeding, unsafe driving, and driving without a commercial driver’s license.
Common Causes of Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks
The primary causes of accidents involving large trucks, including those from Schneider National, often include driver fatigue, inadequate training, mechanical failures, reckless driving, and non-compliance with traffic regulations. Some reports suggest that large truck drivers tend to operate beyond the legal hours of service, increasing the risk of accidents due to decreased alertness and reaction time.
Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
A Schneider National truck crash can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) Can lead to long-term cognitive issues.
- Spinal cord injuries: Often result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures: May require multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries: These can be life-threatening and may require extensive medical intervention.
The long-term impact of these injuries can be profound, affecting not only the physical capabilities of the victims but also their mental health, financial stability, and overall quality of life. Victims may also face long recovery periods, permanent disability, or chronic pain, significantly altering their life trajectory and imposing considerable emotional burdens.
Liability for Schneider National Truck Accidents
Establishing liability is a critical component of the compensation recovery process in truck accidents involving companies like Schneider National. Determining who is at fault is essential in vehicle accident claims, as it affects the verdicts for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. This process ensures that victims of trucking accidents are fairly compensated and responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
Determining Fault in Commercial Truck Accidents
Finding fault in a Schneider truck accident can be complex as it may involve multiple parties:
- Driver Liability involves scrutinizing the driver’s actions for negligence, such as distracted driving, fatigue, or violation of traffic laws.
- Company Liability: Schneider National could be held liable if the accident was caused by systemic issues such as inadequate training, failure to enforce driving regulations, or improper vehicle maintenance.
- Third-Party Liability: This includes manufacturers of truck parts or other drivers who might have indirectly caused the accident.
Importance of Collecting Evidence
Collecting solid evidence is paramount in establishing liability. This includes:
- Driver Logs: These records are essential for verifying whether a driver adhered to hours-of-service regulations, which limit driving hours to prevent fatigue.
- Maintenance Records: These can indicate whether the truck was properly maintained and if any mechanical failures could have contributed to the accident.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Testimonies from witnesses can provide invaluable insights into the sequence of events leading up to the accident.
- Physical Evidence: Evidence from the crash site, such as skid marks, vehicle debris, and digital evidence from dash cams or GPS data, is crucial for reconstructing the accident and establishing a straightforward narrative of what happened.
Compensation Following a Schneider Truck Crash
A Schneider National truck accident victim may be eligible for various types of compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
- Medical Expenses: Costs for immediate and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost earnings due to the inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical discomfort and emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages: Awarded to punish particularly negligent behavior.
- Wrongful Death: In fatal accidents, families may receive compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Factors Influencing Compensation
The amount of compensation can vary significantly based on several factors:
- Severity of Injuries: More serious injuries usually lead to more significant compensation because of higher medical expenses and longer recovery times.
- Impact on Quality of Life: Compensation may increase if the victim’s daily life or ability to work is permanently affected.
- Degree of Negligence: The more negligent the behavior of the defendant, the higher the potential compensation, especially if punitive damages are considered.
Comparative Negligence and Its Effects on Compensation
Comparative negligence refers to the scenario where fault is shared among multiple parties. In such cases, the compensation each party receives is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a victim is found 30% responsible for an accident, their compensation will be reduced by 30%. This principle ensures that compensation is distributed based on each party’s contribution to the accident.
What to Do Following a Schneider National Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a Schneider National truck accident, taking the proper steps afterward is essential for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
Ensure Safety
Immediately after the accident, check yourself and others for injuries. If possible, move to a safe location, away from traffic, but do not leave the scene.
Call Emergency Services
Dial 911 to report the accident. If there are any injuries, request medical assistance. The police will document the scene and create an official accident report, which is crucial for legal purposes.
Document the Scene
Photograph and video the accident scene, vehicles involved, any visible damage, road conditions, and traffic signs. Capture different angles to provide a comprehensive overview of the incident.
Exchange Information
Collect the name, contact information, and truck license number of the Schneider National driver. Also, obtain contact information from any witnesses.
Do Not Admit Fault
Be careful not to admit fault or tell other drivers about the accident without consulting a lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, visiting a doctor after the accident is essential. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent; a medical record will be crucial if you develop symptoms later.
Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer
Contact a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents. They can provide legal advice, help navigate the complexities oftrucking laws and accident claims, and ensure your rights are protected.
Keep Records
Maintain a file of all accident-related documents, including medical records, expenses, police reports, and phone messages. These documents will be vital for your case.
Follow Up
Stay on top of your medical treatments and legal consultations. Follow the advice of your healthcare providers and attorney to ensure proper recovery and legal representation.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
When you hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for your truck accident case, you’re choosing a firm that prioritizes your right to full and fair compensation. During the initial consultation, we will thoroughly review your truck accident case, examine relevant documents, and assess its strengths and weaknesses.
Head-on semi-truck collision
Fatal truck sleeping compartment fall
Rear-end semi-truck accident
Cyclist struck by a truck on a bike line
Truck loading dock accident
T-bone truck collission
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Our legal team will take a proactive approach to investigating the trucking accident itself. This includes hiring accident reconstruction experts, gathering surveillance footage, obtaining the truck’s electronic control module data, and interviewing witnesses.
Your lawyer will meticulously compile a comprehensive evidence portfolio supporting your claim. This phase is vital for establishing liability clearly and is often decisive in the case’s strength.
Negotiation and Settlement
The negotiation involves discussions with the responsible party and others to reach a compensation settlement covering all damages and injuries.
Your lawyer will leverage the collected evidence and their legal expertise to advocate for the best possible settlement for you. Most truck accident claims are resolved at this stage without needing a trial.
Trial
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare to take the case to trial. At trial, they will present the case in front of a judge or jury, highlighting negligence and the impact of the injuries on the client’s life.
Contact a Schneider National Truck Accident Lawyer Today!
The team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is experienced in handling truck accident cases, including dealing with large trucking companies and their insurers. We work tirelessly to build a strong case, ensuring that all avenues for compensation are explored, from medical expenses and lost income to pain and suffering.
Call our law firm at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form.
Resources: [1] Freight Waves,