Commercial trucks accidents are some of the worst accidents that occur on Vermont highways. Semi-trucks are massive, fast-moving machines, and the accidents they cause can be catastrophic and even deadly. Because of the risks involved with operating an 18-wheeler, their drivers must undergo special training, and often they or the companies who employ them must carry special insurance. Commercial truck drivers are also subject to laws that do not apply to the drivers of non-commercial vehicles.

Fatigue driving is one of the major causes of commercial truck accidents in Vermont and the United States. Because of this, federal laws limit the amount of time that a semi-truck driver can spend on the road at any one time and during the course of a week. Unfortunately, these safety rules are not always followed.

The rules for drinking and driving are also stricter for commercial drivers than they are for other drivers in Vermont. While the legal blood-alcohol content (BAC) for most Vermont drivers is below 0.08%, for commercial drivers the legal threshold is only 0.04%. However, it’s important to note that even if a driver’s BAC is below the legal limit, alcohol consumption may still be a factor in the negligent operation of a vehicle.

If you or a loved one have been injured, or a loved one has been killed because of a commercial truck accident and you don’t know where to turn, the Vermont truck accident attorneys at Jarvis & Modun want to help. Our experienced lawyers stand prepared to analyze the facts of your case and seek justice on your behalf.

Common injuries from motor vehicle accidents include:

• Broken bones

• Spinal cord injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Post-traumatic stress

• Lacerations

• Burns

• Nerve injuries

• Injuries to internal organs

• Whiplash

• Shoulder injuries

• Soft-tissue injuries

• Death

Whether you suffer from broken bones or a traumatic brain injury, the injuries that arise from automobile collisions often require extensive medical care, physical therapy, and specialized treatment. This treatment can be expensive. The truck accident lawyers at Jarvis & Modun are committed to seeing that all of your past and future medical bills get paid.

Vermont law allows recovery for various types of damages when a commercial truck driver is at fault. These include:

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Loss of enjoyment

• Past and future medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Diminished earning capacity

• Damage to personal property

• Funeral expenses for wrongful death

• Loss of consortium or injury to a marital relationship

Whether you are asking for compensation from a jury or an insurance adjuster, having an experienced Vermont accident lawyer is critical to presenting a full and persuasive picture of your losses. At Jarvis & Modun, we work for you to present a comprehensive and compelling story of your losses to secure the most compensation we can for your losses. We are your team and will guide, advise, and fight for you every step of the way.

Anyone who has ever been involved in a motor vehicle accident can tell you that the immediate aftermath can be disorienting, awkward, and even scary. However, your initial reactions and decisions can have a tremendous effect on your ultimate ability to secure compensation for your injuries. It is not always possible, but you should try to take the following steps:

• Stay at the scene

• Check on the conditions of everyone involved in the collision

• Contact law enforcement authorities

• Exchange information with all parties involved

• Speak to eyewitnesses, where available, and get their names and contact information

• Take photographs to document damage to and the orientation of vehicles

• Take photographs of any important indicia of the accident, such as debris or skid marks on the road

• Take notes about your own condition and any injuries sustained

If you follow these steps, you will improve your chances of prevailing in your injury claim. The truck accident attorneys at Jarvis & Modun can take the information you gathered at the scene and reconstruct the events leading up to the accident to build a compelling case for liability. Call Jarvis & Modun at (802) 540-1030 for a free consultation.