Fatal Truck Accidents

Cape Cod Attorneys Assisting Families of Motor Vehicle Collision Victims

The truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III represent families in the Cape Cod area who are struggling with the burdens imposed by the tragic loss of a loved one. We understand the sudden devastation that a motor vehicle collision can cause to both the people involved and their relatives. While seeking compensation from those responsible for the crash cannot bring back a family member who been killed in an accident, it can reduce the financial stress that often comes with the loss of a loved one. Our lawyers have more than 146 years of experience representing people in these and other personal injury cases. We also have a long history of success in litigation and at the negotiation table.

Holding a Negligent Truck Driver or Company Liable for Damages

Because of their size and potential to cause dangers on the road, trucks are subject to a number of state and federal regulations and restrictions on how and where they can be operated. For example, Massachusetts law requires certain truck owners to obtain a permit before a big rig hits the road. Some byways are simply off limits to tractor-trailers of a certain size, while others allow these vehicles to pass through only with safety escort vehicles. Federal guidelines also tightly restrict the number of hours that a truck driver can log behind the wheel each week.

A driver or owner who fails to abide by state and federal trucking laws is likely to be legally liable for any accidents that result. The same goes for a driver who operates his or her rig in a haphazard or reckless manner. In the same way that automobile operators owe others on the road a duty of care to drive their cars in a reasonably safe manner, a trucker also is expected to abide by traffic laws and refrain from dangerous behavior like driving while intoxicated or speeding. In fact, the expectations are arguably raised for a truck driver because of the professional nature of the job and the training and licensing that he or she is likely to go through before getting behind the wheel.

In the tragic event of a fatal accident, the family of the victim has the right to sue those responsible for wrongful death. The surviving spouse, minor children, or other heirs can potentially sue on behalf of their loved one, alleging essentially the same claims that the deceased person would be able to make if he or she were still alive. The damages available in these cases often include money for lost earning power, medical and other related bills, and property damage. Some family members may also seek compensation for the loss of the victim’s companionship, support, love, and guidance.

When a truck driver causes an accident while on the job, the trucking company that employs the driver is also often liable. This vicarious liability principle often takes effect for worker-involved crashes that happen while a trucker is driving from Point A to Point B, as directed by his or her employer. In cases where the driver is acting outside the scope of the job, an employer may still be liable if it is determined that the company was negligent in its training or supervision of the driver. These are forms of direct liability that do not depend on the employer-employee relationship.

Seek Legal Representation after a Truck Accident on Cape Cod

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, we have dedicated our careers to helping people and families whose lives have been upended by a truck crash. We fight aggressively for the people whom we represent and take the time to understand each individual client’s wants and needs in developing a strategy for each case we handle. Our track record of success includes previous seven-figure settlements in several wrongful death cases.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle collision on Cape Cod, the accident attorneys at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III can help. We offer free consultations at our offices in Hyannis and Plymouth, and we are also happy to travel to you if you cannot make it to us. We do not charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.