Missoula Truck Accident Lawyer

Ready to Help You Secure Your Entitled Compensation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Missoula or the surrounding areas, it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we have a team of skilled attorneys who are dedicated to helping victims of truck accidents. Our attorneys have years of experience handling a wide range of truck accident cases, and we have successfully secured compensation for our clients.

Call (406) 233-1302 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

A truck accident refers to a collision or incident involving a large motor vehicle commonly known as a truck or a big rig. These accidents can result in varying degrees of damage to vehicles, property, and, unfortunately, often lead to injuries or fatalities. Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles, which makes truck accidents particularly dangerous due to the potential for severe impacts and greater force involved.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road, tight schedules, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead to truck driver fatigue. Fatigued drivers may have reduced reaction times and impaired decision-making abilities, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Just like with any other vehicle, truck drivers can get distracted by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting controls, diverting their attention from the road.
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces a truck driver's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions and increases the stopping distance. Speeding also magnifies the impact force in case of a collision.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, and strong winds can significantly impact a truck's handling and braking ability, leading to accidents if not managed appropriately.
• Improper Loading: Incorrectly loaded cargo can lead to weight imbalance and shifts during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and prone to tipping over or jackknifing.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, steering problems, and other mechanical issues can lead to loss of control and accidents.
• Drug and Alcohol Use: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs a driver's judgment and reflexes, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Inadequate Training: Insufficient training of truck drivers, especially those new to the profession, can result in poor decision-making, improper maneuvering, and an increased likelihood of accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, and road rage can lead to dangerous situations and accidents.
• Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots, also known as "no-zones," where smaller vehicles can be hidden from the driver's view. Accidents can occur when cars linger in these blind spots.
• Failure to Yield Right of Way: Confusion about right-of-way rules or disregarding them can result in accidents, particularly at intersections and highway merge points.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and debris on the road can contribute to accidents, particularly if a truck driver loses control due to these factors.

The following are several parties who can be held liable in a truck accident:

• Truck Driver: Should the truck driver's negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic regulations lead to the accident, they may be deemed liable. Instances encompass speeding, driving while impaired, distractions, fatigue, or disregard for safety protocols.
• Trucking Company: The company employing the truck driver could also share liability under specific conditions. This includes scenarios where the company displayed negligence in driver hiring, training, supervision, or oversight, or if they neglected proper truck maintenance.
• Vehicle Maintenance Provider: In the event that insufficient truck maintenance contributes to the accident, the entity responsible for upkeeping the truck's mechanical aspects might be held liable.
• Truck Manufacturer: If defects in the truck's design or manufacturing played a role in the accident, the manufacturer could assume liability. Such defects might pertain to brakes, tires, steering, or other components.
• Cargo Loaders: Incorrect loading or inadequate securing of cargo can factor into the accident (e.g., causing a rollover or cargo spill). In such cases, those accountable for loading the cargo may face liability.
• Third Parties: Other drivers, pedestrians, or entities that contributed to the accident through their actions might also share liability. For example, if another driver abruptly cut off the truck, leading to a collision, they could hold a portion of the liability.

Why Choose Us?

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we understand the challenges that come with a truck accident. Our team of attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve.

We work tirelessly to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on behalf of our clients. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who have successfully settled many cases out of court. However, if a trial is necessary, we are prepared to fight for our clients' rights in court.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Missoula or the surrounding areas, don't wait to seek legal help. Contact Hoyt & Blewett PLLC today to schedule a free consultation today.