Halifax Truck Accident Lawyers

Dedicated to Recovering Compensation For Victims

Every traffic accident can lead to serious injuries, but this is especially true of truck accidents. Commercial trucks are heavier and larger than other vehicles on the road, which means they are also capable of causing more damage and catastrophic injuries. Truck drivers have many more and larger blind spots than drivers of smaller vehicles. If a car and truck collide, the results can be tragic and often fatal.

Many people who are involved in truck accidents suffer severe injuries that can affect them for the rest of their lives. No amount of money can undo the damage caused by these injuries, but the law does give these victims the right to recover compensation for the losses they have suffered as a result of the accident.

If you have been in a truck accident, it’s in your best interest to discuss your right to compensation with a personal injury lawyer at McKiggan Hebert Lawyers. You need to focus on making a full recovery from your injuries—let us handle the fight for compensation on your behalf. Start your claim today.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Due to the size, weight, and operational demands of commercial trucks, even a minor mistake or oversight can have catastrophic consequences on the road. While some truck accidents result from unpredictable factors like severe weather or sudden mechanical malfunctions, many are caused by preventable issues related to human error, improper vehicle maintenance, or regulatory violations. Understanding the most common causes of truck accidents can help identify potential risks and determine liability when collisions occur.

Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Truck drivers often face strict delivery deadlines, which may pressure them to drive longer than is allowed under federal and provincial regulations. Fatigued driving reduces alertness and reaction time, greatly increasing the likelihood of a collision. Hours-of-service rules exist to combat this risk, but violations still occur when drivers push themselves or feel pressured by their employers.
Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo
Trucking companies and cargo loaders must ensure that freight is loaded securely and does not exceed weight limits. Improperly distributed weight can make a truck unstable, leading to rollovers, jackknifes, or loss of control. Debris that falls off a poorly secured load can also create road hazards for other motorists.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Commercial trucks require frequent inspections and maintenance to keep brakes, tires, and other mechanical systems in proper working order. If trucking companies or owners neglect scheduled maintenance, critical parts may fail while the truck is on the highway. Brake failures, blown tires, and faulty steering components contribute to serious accidents on Nova Scotia roads.
Distracted or Impaired Driving
Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers still engage in dangerous behaviours such as texting, using in-cab electronics, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Distracted or impaired driving further compromises reaction times and increases the risk of severe collisions.

What Are Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries?

Truck accidents can result in a range of injuries, often severe and life-altering. The immense size and weight of trucks contribute to the severity of these incidents. Common truck accident injury claims include:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden stops or impacts can lead to the head and neck being forcefully jerked.
Back Injuries: The force of a collision can cause back injuries such as herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, or fractures.
Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur when the head strikes an object or experiences abrupt acceleration or deceleration.
Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a truck accident can result in fractures or breaks to various bones in the body.
Internal Injuries: Organs may suffer damage or bleeding due to the force of the collision.
Burn Injuries: If the truck is carrying hazardous materials, fires may result in burn injuries.
Amputations: Severe accidents may necessitate the amputation of limbs.
Crush Injuries: Body parts can be compressed between objects, causing crush injuries.
Facial Injuries: Impact on the steering wheel, airbag, or other objects in the vehicle can cause disfiguring facial injuries with a long-term impact on quality of life.
Psychological Injuries: Including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and adjustment reaction disorder.

These injuries highlight the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after a truck accident, as symptoms may not always be immediately apparent. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, it is crucial to consult with medical professionals and an experienced truck accident lawyer to ensure proper care and support.

Who is Liable For My Truck Accident Injuries?

Proving liability is the key to recovering compensation for your truck accident injuries. Establishing liability is not easy in any personal injury case, but it’s especially challenging in a truck accident case. Why? There are a number of different parties that could be held liable for your injuries in a truck accident claim. Some of the parties that could be held liable include:

Truck driver
Trucking company
Cargo loader/shipper
Parts manufacturer
Truck manufacturer

You must know how the accident occurred to determine liability. For example, if the accident occurred due to improperly loaded or unsecured cargo, the cargo loader/shipper could be held liable, but if it occurred due to the trucking company’s failure to maintain the truck, for instance, the company could be held liable for your injuries. Our experienced truck accident lawyers specialize in unraveling the complexities of cases involving truck driver negligence, including instances of distracted driving.

Our personal injury lawyers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, can determine who is liable by thoroughly investigating the accident. We will work with experts to reconstruct the events leading up to the accident, analyze maintenance records, review photos from the accident scene, and interview witnesses. The evidence that we gather during this investigation will help us determine how and why the truck accident occurred, which will allow us to identify all liable parties.

Multiple parties may be liable for your injuries. We will work tirelessly to ensure you are fully compensated, and all liable parties will be named in your claim. We have the experience and resources that you need to recover the compensation you deserve.

Determining Liability in a Truck Accident

Establishing liability in a truck accident is often more complex than in a typical motor vehicle collision. Multiple parties may be involved in the operation, maintenance, and loading of a commercial truck, each with a potential role in causing an accident. Determining who is responsible requires a thorough investigation into driver behaviour, company policies, vehicle maintenance records, and third-party involvement. Identifying all liable parties is crucial to ensuring that victims receive the full compensation they deserve.

Truck Driver Negligence
A truck driver who disregards traffic laws, drives while fatigued, or operates the vehicle under the influence is commonly found liable when an accident occurs. Proving this negligence generally involves collecting evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, police reports, and witness statements.
Trucking Company Liability
Trucking companies may bear responsibility if they fail to enforce hours-of-service rules, neglect driver training, or ignore mechanical issues. In some cases, companies encourage or turn a blind eye to driver misconduct to meet delivery deadlines. Evidence of insufficient training or questionable hiring practices can further strengthen a victim’s claim of company liability.
Third-Party Liability
Other entities, like mechanics, manufacturers, or cargo loaders, could be partially responsible for a crash. For example, a mechanic may perform substandard brake work, or a manufacturer might produce a defective part. Cargo loading companies that fail to balance or secure freight properly can also contribute to collisions.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Steps to Take at the Scene:

Ensure Safety: Move to a safe area if you can and call emergency services.
Contact Police: A police report is critical, as it documents the initial findings about the collision.
Gather Evidence: If possible, take photographs of damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Also, collect contact details from witnesses.
Exchange Information: Obtain the truck driver’s name, licence details, insurance particulars, and the name of their employer.

Importance of Medical Evaluations and Gathering Evidence

Even if you think your injuries are minor, seeking immediate medical attention is essential. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Medical records and prompt evaluation also help establish a link between the accident and your injuries, a vital factor in any legal claim. Keep copies of medical documents, receipts, and records of follow-up care to support your compensation claim.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims

Truck accidents often leave victims with not only physical injuries but also significant financial and emotional burdens. The costs associated with non-MSI covered medical treatment, lost income, and long-term recovery can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, Canadian law allows accident victims to seek compensation for both their tangible and intangible losses. Understanding the types of damages that may be available can help injured individuals and their families pursue the financial support they need to rebuild their lives.

Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs
Serious injuries from truck collisions can require lengthy hospital stays, surgeries, and extensive rehab. Claimants may pursue compensation for immediate bills as well as ongoing or long-term care costs, including physiotherapy and assistive devices, that are not covered by MSI or another provincial public health insurer.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
Victims often miss work during recovery, leading to lost wages. In cases involving permanent or long-term disabilities, the ability to return to the same job—or any job—may be compromised. Courts recognise this and may award damages for reduced future earning capacity.

Loss of Housekeeping and Other Valuable Services
Victims may need assistance performing household duties or watching children. In some cases, victims require assistance permanently, which can be a financial burden. The court may allow victims to seek compensation for these types of damages, especially after a catastrophic injury.

Pain and Suffering Damages
Beyond direct financial losses, victims may also seek non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress. The severity and duration of injuries, along with their impact on daily life, are all factors in determining these damages.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Commercial trucking companies typically carry substantial insurance policies. Adjusters representing these insurers can move quickly, offering a low settlement that will not cover the long-term impact on your life and future. They may dispute the extent of your injuries, deny fault, or try to shift blame.

To protect your rights, consider consulting a lawyer before giving recorded statements or accepting initial offers. An experienced truck accident lawyer can review your policy, communicate with the insurer, and employ strategies to avoid undervalued settlements. By thoroughly investigating the crash, gathering key evidence, and demonstrating the severity of your injuries, your legal counsel can negotiate for a fair settlement or proceed to litigation if negotiations fail.

Why Should You Hire A Halifax Truck Accident Lawyer?

In your best interest, seek legal representation from a truck accident lawyer at McKiggan Hebert Lawyers as soon as possible after a crash. Why? If you were involved in a trucking accident, you may have suffered severe or catastrophic injuries. Even if you did not suffer severe physical injuries, the experience of being in a truck accident can cause significant emotional trauma.

The aftermath of a truck accident is challenging. You need to focus on your recovery and your well-being. You shouldn’t have to deal with the added stress of filing a personal injury claim and fighting with the at-fault party’s insurance company to secure the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and losses. Our lawyers aren’t afraid of going head-to-head with large trucking companies or their insurers on behalf of our clients. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on what matters most: your physical and mental health.

Truck accident cases are complex, but our lawyers have the extensive resources to conduct comprehensive investigations into these collisions. We know how to gather evidence and build a strong case that clearly shows liability so we can win compensation for our clients.

With so much at stake in a truck accident claim, don’t try to handle all the complex legal issues without assistance from a talented truck accident attorney.

Start Your Claim Today – Schedule A Free Case Evaluation With An Experienced Halifax Truck Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a truck accident in Nova Scotia? If so, turn to the experienced truck accident lawyers at McKiggan Hebert Lawyers for help as soon as possible. Our legal team has helped countless truck accident victims take legal action against the at-fault party to recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Now, let us help you through the legal process to reach the best possible outcome in your case.

Every second counts in a trucking accident case. Don’t waste another minute—start your claim today by contacting our personal injury law firm today to schedule a free consultation regarding your case. Call 902-706-2298 or fill out the form on this website to set up your no-cost consultation.