A Des Moines Truck Accident Attorney Who Fights For Your Injury Claims

Truck accidents commonly cause far more injuries for the victims than other types of accidents. Due to the considerable size and weight of these vehicles, it is easy to understand why so many of these accidents result in catastrophic injuries. When these accidents happen, you need to be sure you are securing the full and fair compensation you need to cover the costs of your recovery.

At Norris Injury Law Group, I am proud to help the Des Moines community through their personal injury claims, including complex ones like truck accidents. I will take the time to review the details of your claim to identify the best course of action to pursue the ideal results in your unique claim, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.

Common Causes Of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, and many of them are preventable. Because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, even a single mistake can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. In many cases, determining the exact cause of the crash requires a detailed investigation by an attorney and accident professionals. At NAPNAME, I examine every factor that may have contributed to the collision.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Reckless or distracted driving by the truck driver: This includes speeding, texting, using a phone or failing to pay attention to traffic conditions.
• Driver fatigue caused by long hours on the road: Truck drivers who are overworked or skip required rest breaks may experience slower reaction times or fall asleep behind the wheel.
• Poor truck maintenance that leads to mechanical failures: Problems involving brakes, tires, steering systems or other critical components can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
• Jackknife accidents: They occur when the trailer swings outward and forms an angle with the cab. These crashes often block multiple lanes of traffic and involve several vehicles.
• Truck rollover accidents: Caused by excessive speed, sharp turns, unstable cargo or sudden steering corrections.
• Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo: When cargo shifts during transport or spills onto the roadway, nearby drivers may be unable to avoid a collision.
• Abrupt stops or unsafe turns by the truck driver: Large trucks require greater stopping distances, and sudden maneuvers can lead to rear-end collisions or underride accidents involving smaller vehicles.
• Dangerous weather or road conditions: This makes operating a commercial truck more difficult, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed or driving behavior.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or certain medications: They may impair judgment and reaction time.

Truck accidents can leave victims facing serious physical, emotional and financial consequences. Injuries may require emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation and time away from work. In severe cases, victims may suffer permanent disabilities that affect their ability to earn a living and care for their families.

After a collision involving a commercial truck, it is important to act quickly to protect evidence, document injuries and speak with a truck accident attorney like me who can protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

Stay Safe By Avoiding Truck Blind Spots

Large commercial trucks have massive blind spots, often called “no-zones,” where your vehicle effectively disappears from the driver’s view. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, you should stay alert in these four key areas:

• The front: Blind spots can extend up to 20 feet in front of the truck’s cab.
• The rear: Trucks have no rearview mirrors; the blind spot behind the trailer can reach 30 feet.
• The left side: This zone typically extends from the driver’s door to the middle of the trailer.
• The right side: This is the most dangerous zone, often spanning two lanes and the entire length of the truck.

Driving smartly around these large vehicles helps prevent catastrophic accidents and protects your legal interests. If a crash occurs, being able to show you were driving safely and outside of these “no-zones” makes it much harder for an insurance company to shift liability onto you.

Truck Accidents Can Be Complicated

The Des Moines area sees substantial truck traffic, with I-80 and I-35 passing through. When a large commercial vehicle runs into you, the damage can be severe for both you and your vehicle. Your claim is often complicated by the fact that multiple parties might be involved, including:

• The driver of the truck
• The driver’s employer
• The owner of the truck and/or trailer containing the goods shipped
• The company that loaded the truck
• The manufacturer or maintenance facility, if a malfunction occurred

In Iowa, the statute of limitations to file a truck accident claim is two years from the date of the crash. Because these cases involve multiple corporate entities and complex evidence like electronic logging devices (ELDs) and maintenance records, it is vital to contact a lawyer immediately. Starting early allows us to secure this data before it is deleted or lost.

However, if your medical condition deteriorates or new evidence comes to light later, a claim may still be possible within that two-year window. I will navigate these possibilities for you to help you recover the full amount you are entitled to. My goal is to protect your best interests so you have the resources you need to move forward.

Do Not Settle For Less In Your Claim

Without the guidance of a skilled personal injury lawyer, you risk leaving money on the table in your injury claim. Call me at 515-297-7482 or email me to schedule your initial consultation today.