Swift Transportation Truck Accident Lawyer

Traffic accidents involving large trucking companies like Swift Transportation present increased risks and complexities due to their significant presence on highways.

Legal battles following such incidents are uniquely complex, involving complex federal transportation regulations. Often, liability may extend to multiple parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers. Therefore, proper legal support is essential if you’ve been in an accident with a Swift Transportation truck.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience and a proven record of successful truck accident cases nationwide. We excel in navigating state and federal laws to offer thorough legal assistance.

Understanding Swift Transportation Truck Accidents

Knight Transportation, established in 1966 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of North America’s largest full-truckload motor carriers.

The trucking company offers many transportation services, including linehaul, dedicated, refrigerated, flatbed, and intermodal solutions. Their fleet of over 23,000 trucks operates across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. These large-scale operations directly translate to an increased risk of crashes.

Common causes of Swift Transportation accidents include driver fatigue, mechanical failures, improper cargo loading, and challenging road conditions. Injuries resulting from truck accidents tend to be severe.

These often include brain trauma, spinal cord displacements, broken bones, and internal bleeding. Fatalities are tragically frequent, and survivors usually face long-term disabilities and a challenging recovery process.

From 2016 to 2018, Swift Transportation truck drivers faced over 19,000 safety violation citations, including severe infractions like texting while driving and speeding. Swift Transportation trucks were also involved in numerous accidents during this period, resulting in 70 fatalities and over 800 injuries.

Truck driver fatigue and unsafe company policies significantly contribute to these incidents, highlighting the importance of robust legal support when pursuing claims against such large carriers.

Liability for Swift Transportation Company Accidents

Establishing liability is crucial in compensating for trucking accidents involving companies like Swift Transportation. It determines who is legally responsible for damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses incurred by the victims.

Fault in a trucking accident can be complex, involving multiple parties:

• Driver Liability: The Swift Transportation truck driver can be found at fault due to distracted driving, fatigue, or violations of traffic laws.
• Company Liability: Swift Transportation could be liable if the truck accident were caused by systemic issues like inadequate driver training, failure to enforce driving regulations, or improper vehicle maintenance.
• Third-Party Liability: Manufacturers of truck parts or other drivers on the road can also be held responsible if their actions contributed to the trucking accident.

Collecting proof is vital to establishing fault and liability effectively. This includes:

• Driver Logs: These can show whether the Swift drivers adhered to federal regulations concerning rest periods and hours of service.
• Maintenance Records: These details are vital to establishing whether the truck was maintained correctly or if neglect in its maintenance contributed to the trucking accident.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from those who witnessed the event can provide valuable perspectives on the truck accident.

Compensation Following a Swift Truck Accident

In truck accidents involving Swift Transportation, the types of compensation available generally include:

• Medical Expenses: Covering all healthcare costs from emergency treatments to long-term rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for past and future earnings lost due to the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Addressing physical pain and emotional distress.
• Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of negligence to punish the wrongful conduct and deter similar actions in the future.
• Wrongful Death Claims: In fatal accidents, families can claim compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

The amount of compensation in truck accident cases is also influenced by factors including the severity of injuries, the impact on the victim’s quality of life, and the degree of negligence involved. More severe and life-altering injuries typically result in higher compensation due to increased medical costs, prolonged recovery, and significant changes to the victim’s daily life and earning capacity.

Comparative Negligence

This involves apportioning fault among all parties involved in the accident. If the victim is found partially responsible for the accident, the compensation may be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault. This principle ensures that damages are allocated based on the responsible parties’ contribution to the accident.

What to Do Following a Swift Transportation Truck Accident

If you’re involved in an accident with a Swift Transportation truck, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately following the incident:

• Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location without leaving the accident scene. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt or the accident is blocking traffic.
• Report the Accident: Even if it seems minor, call the police. They will document the scene and file a report, crucial for truck accident claims and potential legal actions.
• Exchange Information: Collect the truck driver’s name, license number, and truck number. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, capturing all vehicles involved, visible damages, and road conditions. These images serve as crucial visual evidence for legal assessments and can help determine the specifics of the incident.
• Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare provider for a complete evaluation, even if you don’t feel symptoms. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
• Consult a Swift Transportation Truck Accident Attorney: Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer specializing in trucking accidents. They can provide legal guidance, help protect your rights, and ensure you receive fair compensation for damages and injuries.
• Keep Records: Organize and maintain all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence with companies or attorneys.

Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Truck Accident Attorneys

Hiring Rosenfeld Injury Truck Accident Attorneys ensures that you have experienced legal professionals dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve after a truck accident, with a proven track record of success in handling complex cases involving large trucking companies.

• $18.5 Million – Head-on semi-truck collision
• $6 Million – Fatal truck sleeping compartment fall
• $1.4 Million – Rear-end semi-truck accident
• $805,500 – Cyclist struck by a truck on a bike line
• $750,000 – Truck loading dock accident
• $616,772 – T-bone collision accident

Initial Consultation

When you schedule a consultation with Rosenfeld Injury truck accident attorneys, you can expect a thorough review of your Swift Transportation accident.

During this session, you must provide all relevant details of the incident and any documentation you have, such as medical records, police reports, and photographs of the accident scene and your injuries. This allows our lawyer to understand the full scope of the situation, assess the potential for a claim, and consider your legal options.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Our lawyer will begin a comprehensive investigation of the truck accident following the initial consultation. This step might involve hiring accident reconstruction experts, reviewing camera footage, and obtaining the truck driver’s logbooks and employment records. This evidence is fundamental in building a solid case for your claim.

Negotiation and Settlement

Most truck accident claims are resolved through negotiation without a trial. Our lawyer will negotiate with all parties to secure a fair settlement covering all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.

Trial

Our truck accident lawyer will take your case to court if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached. They will present the collected evidence in court, argue your case, and advocate for your rights to win maximum compensation. All our attorneys are experienced in trial advocacy and will prepare you for what to expect, ensuring you are comfortable and informed throughout the process.

Contact a Swift Transportation Collision Lawyer Today!

Securing legal representation is crucial if you’ve been involved in a Swift Transportation vehicle accident. Contacting an experienced Chicago trucking accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case and the compensation you receive. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are adept at handling negotiations with large trucking companies and can take your case to trial if necessary.

Call our law firm at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form.

Specific Cases We Handle

• Truck Loading Dock Accident Lawyer
• UPS Truck Accident Lawyer
• US Xpress Accident Lawyer
• Walmart Truck Accident Lawyer
• Werner Enterprises Truck Accident Lawyer

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.