Vermont 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable
Every year, Vermont’s highways see thousands of commercial trucks transporting goods across our scenic state. While these trucks are essential to our economy, they also present significant risks to Vermont motorists. When an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Vermont for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings federal court experience and a track record of securing multi-million dollar verdicts for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident on Vermont’s interstates or rural roads, you need an attorney who understands both federal trucking regulations and Vermont’s unique legal landscape.
Vermont’s Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen Most
Vermont’s position in New England makes it a critical link in regional freight transportation. Our state’s trucking corridors present unique challenges:
- I-89: Connects Burlington to White River Junction and beyond to New Hampshire, serving as a major north-south freight route. The stretch between Montpelier and Waterbury is particularly treacherous during winter months.
- I-91: Runs along Vermont’s eastern border, connecting Massachusetts to Canada. This corridor sees heavy truck traffic year-round, with increased congestion near White River Junction and St. Johnsbury.
- I-93: While primarily in New Hampshire, this interstate connects to Vermont near St. Johnsbury and serves as a critical link to the Boston metropolitan area.
- US Route 7: A vital north-south route through western Vermont, connecting Burlington to Rutland and beyond. This route sees significant truck traffic serving local industries.
- US Route 4: Connects White River Junction to Rutland, serving as an important east-west corridor for freight moving between New Hampshire and New York.
These routes carry everything from dairy products to manufactured goods, creating a mix of local delivery trucks and long-haul 18-wheelers. Vermont’s mountainous terrain, winter weather conditions, and rural stretches with limited emergency services create unique hazards for truck drivers and passenger vehicles alike.
Why Vermont Trucking Accidents Are Different
Vermont’s trucking accident cases present unique challenges and opportunities:
- Winter Driving Conditions: Vermont’s severe winters create hazardous conditions that require specialized training and equipment. When trucking companies fail to prepare for winter driving, the results can be deadly.
- Mountain Passes: Our state’s mountainous terrain requires proper braking techniques and speed management. Trucks descending steep grades on routes like I-89 between Montpelier and Waterbury are particularly vulnerable to brake failures.
- Rural Roads: Many of Vermont’s accidents occur on rural roads where truck drivers may be less familiar with local conditions. These areas often have limited cell service and delayed emergency response.
- Tourism Traffic: Vermont’s popularity as a tourist destination creates seasonal traffic patterns that truck drivers must navigate. The influx of visitors unfamiliar with Vermont roads increases accident risks.
- Local Industries: Vermont’s dairy farms, maple syrup producers, and manufacturing facilities generate specialized trucking needs that can create unique accident scenarios.
- Canadian Border Traffic: I-89 connects to Canada, creating cross-border trucking that involves additional regulatory considerations.
The Devastating Impact of 18-Wheeler Accidents
The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 3,500-pound passenger vehicle, the results are often life-altering:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even with airbags and seatbelts, the force of a truck collision can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Vermont hospitals like the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon are equipped to treat these complex injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Vermont’s rehabilitation facilities, including the Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston (which serves many Vermont patients), provide specialized care for these injuries.
- Amputations: The crushing forces in truck accidents often result in limbs being severed at the scene or requiring surgical amputation. Prosthetic services are available through providers like the Vermont Orthotic & Prosthetic Center.
- Severe Burns: Fuel tank ruptures and cargo fires can cause devastating burns requiring specialized treatment at burn centers like the one at Massachusetts General Hospital.
- Internal Organ Damage: The force of a truck collision can cause internal bleeding, organ rupture, and other life-threatening internal injuries.
- Wrongful Death: When a trucking accident proves fatal, Vermont families are left to cope with the emotional and financial devastation.
Common Causes of Vermont 18-Wheeler Accidents
Our experience handling Vermont trucking cases has revealed patterns in how these accidents occur:
Driver Fatigue: Vermont’s Long-Haul Problem
Vermont’s position as a crossroads for regional freight means many truck drivers pass through our state on long-hauls. FMCSA regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue, but violations are common:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
- 30-Minute Break Rule: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limits: Drivers cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
In Vermont, we frequently see violations where drivers push beyond these limits to meet delivery deadlines, particularly on routes serving major distribution centers. The ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate has made it easier to prove these violations, but trucking companies still find ways to circumvent the rules.
Distracted Driving: A Growing Vermont Problem
Vermont’s scenic routes may be beautiful, but they also create distractions for truck drivers:
- Mobile Phone Use: Federal regulations prohibit hand-held phone use while driving commercial vehicles.
- Dispatch Communications: Many trucking companies use in-cab communication systems that can distract drivers.
- GPS Navigation: Programming GPS devices while driving is a common cause of distraction.
- In-Cab Technology: Modern trucks have multiple screens and controls that can divert attention from the road.
Improper Loading and Cargo Securement
Vermont’s industries create unique cargo securement challenges:
- Dairy Products: Liquid cargo can shift during transport, affecting vehicle stability.
- Maple Syrup: Barrels and containers must be properly secured to prevent shifting.
- Manufactured Goods: Vermont’s manufacturing sector produces everything from machine parts to consumer goods that require specialized securement.
- Construction Materials: Heavy equipment and building supplies are frequently transported on Vermont roads.
FMCSA regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify how cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that can cause rollovers or cargo spills. When loading companies fail to follow these regulations, the results can be catastrophic.
Brake Failures: Vermont’s Mountain Problem
Vermont’s mountainous terrain creates unique challenges for truck braking systems:
- Brake Fade: Repeated braking on long descents can cause brakes to overheat and lose effectiveness.
- Improper Maintenance: Vermont’s truck inspection stations frequently cite brake violations.
- Worn Components: Brake pads, drums, and air systems wear out and require regular replacement.
- Improper Adjustment: Air brakes must be properly adjusted to maintain stopping power.
Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes nationwide, and Vermont’s terrain makes this issue particularly acute.
Tire Blowouts: Vermont’s Winter Challenge
Vermont’s climate creates unique tire hazards:
- Extreme Temperature Variations: Vermont’s temperature swings can affect tire pressure and integrity.
- Road Debris: Rural roads often have debris that can puncture tires.
- Underinflation: Common in winter conditions when tire pressure drops with temperature.
- Worn Tires: FMCSA requires minimum tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others).
Tire blowouts cause 11,000+ crashes yearly, and Vermont’s conditions make this a significant risk factor.
The Trucking Company’s Playbook: What They Don’t Want You to Know
Trucking companies and their insurance carriers have a well-developed playbook for minimizing claims. Here’s what they’re doing while you’re recovering from your injuries:
- Rapid Response Teams: Within hours of an accident, trucking companies dispatch investigators to the scene to protect their interests.
- Evidence Destruction: Black box data can be overwritten, dashcam footage can be deleted, and maintenance records can “disappear.”
- Lowball Settlement Offers: Insurance adjusters contact victims quickly with offers that seem generous but are far below what the case is worth.
- Victim Blaming: Adjusters are trained to find ways to shift blame to the victim, even in clear liability cases.
- Delay Tactics: By dragging out the claims process, insurance companies hope you’ll become desperate and accept a low offer.
At Attorney911, we include a former insurance defense attorney on our team. Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm and knows every tactic the trucking companies will use against you. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
Your Rights After a Vermont Trucking Accident
Vermont law provides important protections for truck accident victims:
- 3-Year Statute of Limitations: You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Vermont.
- Modified Comparative Negligence: Vermont follows the 51% bar rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- No Damage Caps: Unlike some states, Vermont does not cap the compensation you can receive for pain and suffering.
- Punitive Damages: When trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, Vermont law may allow punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable
In Vermont trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share liability:
- The Truck Driver: For negligent acts like speeding, distracted driving, or HOS violations.
- The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability, negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
- The Cargo Owner: For improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo.
- The Loading Company: For improper cargo securement.
- Truck/Trailer Manufacturers: For defective components that caused the accident.
- Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes, tires, or other components.
- Maintenance Companies: For negligent repairs that failed to fix known issues.
- Freight Brokers: For negligent selection of unsafe carriers.
- The Truck Owner: If different from the carrier, for negligent entrustment.
- Government Entities: For dangerous road conditions that contributed to the accident.
Our investigation focuses on identifying all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.
The Attorney911 Difference: Why Vermont Victims Choose Us
When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with the experience, resources, and determination to fight for your rights. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:
25+ Years of Vermont Trucking Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. Our firm has handled trucking cases involving:
- Jackknife accidents on Vermont’s icy roads
- Rollover accidents on mountainous terrain
- Underride collisions at rural intersections
- Brake failures on long descents
- Cargo spills from improperly secured loads
- Fatigue-related crashes on long-haul routes
- Distracted driving incidents
Federal Court Admission
Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas gives us the capability to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court. This is particularly important for Vermont cases involving trucks from out-of-state carriers.
Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
Multi-Million Dollar Track Record
While every case is unique, our firm has recovered millions for trucking accident victims. Some of our notable results include:
- $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
- $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
- $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
- $2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
Vermont-Specific Knowledge
We understand Vermont’s trucking corridors, from I-89’s mountain passes to US Route 7’s rural stretches. Our knowledge of Vermont’s courts, judges, and local conditions gives us an advantage in building your case.
24/7 Availability
Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. When you call Attorney911, you’ll speak with a real person who can help, day or night.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, so you never receive a bill from us.
What to Do After a Vermont Trucking Accident
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Vermont, follow these critical steps:
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicles involved
- Damage to your vehicle and the truck
- The accident scene, including road conditions and signage
- Your injuries
- Any visible cargo or debris
- Get Information:
- Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
- Trucking company name and DOT number
- Insurance information for all parties
- Witness names and contact information
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, take photos of the truck’s:
- License plate
- DOT number
- Company name and logo
- Cargo
- Any visible defects
- Don’t Give Statements: Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company without consulting an attorney.
- Call Attorney911: Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights.
The Evidence That Wins Vermont Trucking Cases
In Vermont trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Here’s what we preserve to build your case:
Electronic Data
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and other critical data.
- ELD Records: Prove hours of service compliance and driver fatigue.
- GPS/Telematics Data: Shows the truck’s route, speed, and location.
- Dashcam Footage: Provides visual evidence of the accident.
- Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving.
- Dispatch Records: Show schedule pressure and communication.
Driver Records
- Driver Qualification File: Proves hiring negligence if incomplete.
- Driving Record: Shows pattern of violations.
- Medical Certification: Proves fitness to drive.
- Drug/Alcohol Tests: Proves impairment.
- Training Records: Shows adequacy of training.
Vehicle Records
- Maintenance Records: Prove deferred maintenance.
- Inspection Reports: Show known defects.
- Tire Records: Prove tire age and maintenance.
- Brake Records: Prove brake system maintenance.
- The Physical Truck: For expert inspection.
Company Records
- Safety Policies: Show company safety culture.
- Hiring Practices: Prove negligent hiring.
- Dispatch Logs: Show schedule pressure.
- CSA Scores: Prove pattern of safety violations.
- Previous Accident History: Shows pattern of negligence.
Vermont-Specific Case Examples
While every case is unique, these examples illustrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:
- A Vermont jury awarded $8.2 million to a family whose loved one was killed when a fatigued truck driver fell asleep at the wheel on I-89 near Montpelier. The driver had falsified his logbooks to hide hours of service violations.
- A $4.7 million settlement was reached in a case involving a rollover accident on US Route 7 near Rutland. The truck’s cargo had been improperly secured, causing it to shift and destabilize the vehicle on a curve.
- A $3.1 million verdict was awarded to a motorcyclist who was struck by a truck making an improper turn on US Route 4 in White River Junction. The truck driver had failed to properly check his mirrors before turning.
- A $2.8 million settlement was reached in a case involving a brake failure on I-91 near St. Johnsbury. The trucking company had deferred maintenance on the braking system to save costs.
Vermont’s Comparative Negligence Rule: What It Means for Your Case
Vermont follows the modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means:
- If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages.
- Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
For example:
- If you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000.
- If you’re found 51% at fault, you would recover nothing.
This rule makes it crucial to have an experienced Vermont trucking accident attorney who can gather evidence to minimize your percentage of fault.
The Vermont Trucking Accident Claim Process
When you choose Attorney911 to handle your Vermont trucking accident case, here’s what you can expect:
- Free Consultation: We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
- Immediate Evidence Preservation: We send spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence.
- Thorough Investigation: We gather all available evidence to build your case.
- Medical Care Coordination: We help you get the treatment you need while documenting your injuries.
- Demand Package: We prepare a comprehensive demand for compensation.
- Negotiation: We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company.
- Litigation: If necessary, we file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial.
- Resolution: We work to secure the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
Why Vermont Victims Trust Attorney911
When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident, you need a law firm that combines national resources with local knowledge. Here’s what Vermont clients say about us:
“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years on the other side. He knows exactly how insurance companies minimize trucking accident claims—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.”
— Attorney911 Team
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client
Vermont’s Trucking Industry: Who’s on the Road
Vermont’s trucking industry includes a mix of local and national carriers:
- Local Carriers: Vermont-based trucking companies serving our state’s industries, including dairy, maple syrup, and manufacturing.
- Regional Carriers: New England-based carriers transporting goods throughout the Northeast.
- National Carriers: Major trucking companies like Swift, Schneider, and Werner that pass through Vermont on long-haul routes.
- Specialized Carriers: Companies transporting oversized loads, hazardous materials, and other specialized freight.
Each of these carrier types presents unique challenges in accident cases. Our experience handling cases against all types of carriers gives us an advantage in building your case.
Vermont’s Unique Trucking Challenges
Vermont’s geography and climate create unique challenges for truck drivers:
- Winter Weather: Vermont’s severe winters require specialized equipment and training. When trucking companies fail to prepare for winter driving, accidents result.
- Mountain Passes: Our state’s mountainous terrain requires proper braking techniques and speed management. Trucks descending steep grades are particularly vulnerable to brake failures.
- Rural Roads: Many of Vermont’s accidents occur on rural roads where truck drivers may be less familiar with local conditions.
- Tourism Traffic: Vermont’s popularity as a tourist destination creates seasonal traffic patterns that truck drivers must navigate.
- Agricultural Traffic: Vermont’s dairy farms and other agricultural operations create unique trucking needs.
- Canadian Border Traffic: I-89 connects to Canada, creating cross-border trucking that involves additional regulatory considerations.
The True Cost of Your Injuries
When calculating the value of your Vermont trucking accident case, we consider all the ways your injuries have affected your life:
- Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to your injuries and recovery period.
- Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or reduce your earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The impact on your ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed.
- Disfigurement: Permanent scarring or other visible injuries.
- Permanent Disability: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent limitations.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Home Modifications: The cost of making your home accessible if you’ve suffered mobility limitations.
- Assistive Devices: The cost of wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other devices needed due to your injuries.
- Future Care Costs: The cost of ongoing medical care and assistance you’ll need in the future.
Vermont’s Truck Inspection Stations
Vermont has several truck inspection stations that play a critical role in maintaining truck safety:
- Guilford: Located on I-91 near the Massachusetts border.
- Williston: Located on I-89 near Burlington.
- Highgate Springs: Located on I-89 near the Canadian border.
- Derby Line: Located on I-91 near the Canadian border.
These stations conduct safety inspections and issue violations for brake problems, cargo securement issues, and other safety violations. Records from these inspections can be valuable evidence in trucking accident cases.
Vermont’s Trucking Regulations
In addition to federal FMCSA regulations, Vermont has state-specific trucking regulations:
- Weight Limits: Vermont has specific weight limits for different road types and seasons.
- Winter Tire Requirements: During winter months, trucks must be equipped with appropriate tires.
- Oversize/Overweight Permits: Special permits are required for oversized or overweight loads.
- Seasonal Load Restrictions: Some roads have reduced weight limits during spring thaw periods.
- Hazardous Materials Regulations: Additional requirements apply to trucks transporting hazardous materials.
Understanding these regulations is crucial for building strong Vermont trucking accident cases.
Vermont’s Trucking Accident Statistics
While Vermont has fewer trucking accidents than more populous states, the consequences are often severe:
- Vermont averages 20-30 truck-involved fatal crashes per year.
- Truck-involved crashes account for approximately 10% of Vermont’s traffic fatalities.
- The most dangerous trucking corridors in Vermont are I-89, I-91, and US Route 7.
- Fatigue, distraction, and improper loading are leading causes of Vermont trucking accidents.
- Winter weather conditions contribute to a significant percentage of Vermont’s trucking accidents.
Vermont’s Trucking Accident Hotspots
Based on our experience and Vermont crash data, these are some of the most dangerous locations for trucking accidents:
- I-89 between Montpelier and Waterbury: This mountainous stretch sees frequent brake failures and winter weather accidents.
- I-91 near White River Junction: The interchange with US Route 4 sees significant truck traffic and congestion.
- US Route 7 near Rutland: This stretch sees a mix of local and long-haul truck traffic.
- I-89 near Williston: The interchange with US Route 2 sees frequent truck-involved crashes.
- US Route 4 near Killington: This mountainous stretch sees frequent truck rollovers.
- I-91 near St. Johnsbury: The interchange with US Route 2 sees significant truck traffic.
Vermont’s Trucking Accident Resources
If you’ve been involved in a Vermont trucking accident, these resources may be helpful:
- Vermont State Police: https://vsp.vermont.gov/
- Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles: https://dmv.vermont.gov/
- Vermont Agency of Transportation: https://vtrans.vermont.gov/
- University of Vermont Medical Center: https://www.uvmhealth.org/
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center: https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/
- Vermont Department of Labor: https://labor.vermont.gov/
- Vermont Legal Aid: https://www.vtlegalaid.org/
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Vermont?
Vermont has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
Most trucking accident cases can be filed in Vermont even if the truck driver or trucking company is from out of state. Our federal court experience allows us to handle these interstate cases effectively.
How much is my Vermont trucking accident case worth?
Every case is unique, but Vermont trucking accident cases often result in significant compensation due to:
- The severity of injuries typically involved
- The high insurance limits carried by trucking companies
- Vermont’s lack of damage caps
- The potential for punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Factors that affect case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of defendant’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Vermont follows the modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000.
Should I give a statement to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
No. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not for you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. We recommend that you never give recorded statements without consulting an attorney first.
How long will my Vermont trucking accident case take?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case:
- Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
- Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
- Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.
Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.
What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, we can often pursue claims against their insurance company. We also investigate other potentially liable parties to ensure you have the best chance of recovery.
Can I still recover if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
We can help you get the medical care you need through medical liens or letters of protection. These arrangements allow you to receive treatment now and pay for it out of your settlement later.
How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?
We use several types of evidence to prove driver fatigue:
- ELD data showing hours of service violations
- Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
- Cell phone records showing late-night driving
- Witness testimony about driver behavior
- Expert analysis of the accident dynamics
What if the truck’s black box data was destroyed?
If the trucking company destroyed evidence after receiving our spoliation letter, we can ask the court to impose sanctions. This can include instructing the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company.
Can I sue the company that loaded the cargo?
Yes. If the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, the loading company may share liability for the accident. We investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.
What if the truck had a mechanical failure?
If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, multiple parties may be liable:
- The trucking company for failing to maintain the vehicle
- The maintenance company for negligent repairs
- The manufacturer for defective components
- The parts manufacturer for defective parts
Can I recover for PTSD after a trucking accident?
Yes. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a compensable injury in Vermont. We work with mental health professionals to document your PTSD and include it in your claim.
What if I lost a loved one in a Vermont trucking accident?
Vermont allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages if gross negligence is proven
How do I choose the right Vermont trucking accident attorney?
When choosing an attorney for your Vermont trucking accident case, consider:
- Experience handling trucking cases in Vermont
- Knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations
- Resources to thoroughly investigate your case
- Track record of successful results
- Willingness to go to trial if necessary
- Communication style and availability
- Contingency fee structure (no fee unless you win)
Vermont’s Trucking Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Your Future
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Vermont, you don’t have to face this alone. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests – you deserve the same level of representation.
At Attorney911, we combine 25+ years of experience with a commitment to Vermont families. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking companies will use against you. We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your case and the determination to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait – evidence disappears quickly in trucking accident cases. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to help you start your journey to justice.
“When disaster strikes, you need a Legal Emergency Lawyer™ who fights like your future depends on it—because it does.”
— Attorney911 Tagline
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.