Brock Law OfficesBrock Law Offices2024-03-11T22:31:15Zhttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1203393/2022/12/cropped-BL_FAV-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Brock Law Officeshttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/?p=502012024-03-11T22:31:15Z2024-03-11T22:31:15ZFuel ignition
One of the primary causes of burns in truck accidents is the crash itself. When trucks hit other vehicles or objects, the impact can cause fuel tanks to rupture or ignite. The resulting fires or explosions can lead to thermal burns for truck occupants and individuals in nearby vehicles.
Heat from the friction of the crash
During a collision, the friction between surfaces can create intense heat. This heat can cause burns for people when they come in direct contact with hot surfaces or objects inside the vehicle.
Electrical problems
Electrical malfunctions resulting from the crash often lead to fires within the vehicle. These fires can burn occupants or emergency responders attempting to put out the flames. Faulty wiring or damaged electrical systems increase the likelihood of these fires during an accident.
Smoke
In some crashes, people may get stuck inside the wrecked vehicle, making it hard for them to get away from fire or smoke. Hot smoke can cause burns, and any inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes may cause respiratory burns and other serious injuries.
Burn injuries from truck crashes often linger long after the fires go out. These injuries may impact one's ability to keep their job or even sit and stand. Understanding how dangerous burns are can motivate truckers to work on ways to prevent crashes in the future.]]>On Behalf of Brock Law Officeshttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/?p=501912024-01-03T01:50:10Z2024-01-03T01:50:10Z1. Heights and falls
Construction workers often find themselves perched on scaffolding, ladders or platforms. A momentary lapse in concentration or a misplaced step can result in a devastating fall. The impact of such incidents can lead to fractures, spinal injuries or worse. In 2020, the construction industry accounted for 46.1% of fatal workplace falls, slips and trips in the U.S.
2. Heavy machinery mishaps
Construction sites are a choreography of heavy machinery, from cranes to bulldozers. Workers operating or maneuvering around these behemoths face the constant threat of accidents. The sheer mass and power of these machines can cause severe injuries, ranging from crush injuries to traumatic amputations.
3. Electrocution
With the extensive use of electrical equipment on construction sites, the risk of electrocution is ever-present. Faulty wiring, exposed cables or even inadvertent contact with live wires can lead to serious injuries. Construction workers must remain vigilant to prevent electrical accidents and ensure their safety in a potentially electrifying environment.
4. Falling objects
As structures take shape, the danger of falling objects looms large. Tools, materials or debris may plummet from heights, posing a constant threat to workers below. Head injuries, fractures and concussions are common consequences of such accidents, emphasizing the need for strict safety protocols and personal protective equipment.
In the face of these dangers, workers' compensation becomes an important avenue for support. Recognizing the importance of seeking such assistance can ensure that injured construction workers receive the necessary medical care and financial aid to navigate the aftermath of workplace injuries.]]>On Behalf of Brock Law Officeshttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/?p=501862023-11-07T18:24:41Z2023-11-07T18:24:41ZComplexity of your case
With a relatively minor injury and a cooperative insurance company, you may not need legal support. However, with more complex cases involving disputes over the extent of injuries, liability or issues with claims, an attorney can offer valuable support.
Denied or delayed claims
If you received a denial for your workers' compensation claim or you struggle with unnecessary delays, an attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Pre-existing conditions
If you have pre-existing medical conditions that could complicate your claim, legal assistance can help establish the connection between your injury and your job, securing the benefits you deserve.
Maximizing benefits
Experienced workers' compensation lawyers know how to navigate the system to maximize your benefits, including covering medical expenses, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation or disability benefits.
Employer retaliation
An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you are not unfairly treated by your employer.
The average cost of each workers’ compensation case from 2019-2020 was $41,353. Getting a fair award starts with understanding when you need legal representation. Proactive efforts will help you protect your financial interests after your injury.]]>On Behalf of Brock Law Officeshttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/?p=501852023-09-22T22:53:33Z2023-09-22T22:53:33ZTruck driver
The truck driver is responsible for operating the vehicle safely and adhering to traffic laws. If the driver was negligent, distracted, fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they could be directly responsible for the accident.
Trucking company
Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, ensuring proper maintenance of their vehicles and adhering to safety regulations. If a company neglects these responsibilities or encourages drivers to violate regulations, they may be liable for the accident.
Vehicle manufacturer
Sometimes, accidents occur due to mechanical failures or defects in the truck itself. In such cases, the manufacturer of the truck or its components might be accountable. If a faulty brake system, engine malfunction or tire blowout contributes to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
Cargo loaders
Improper loading of cargo can lead to accidents. If the cargo is not secured correctly, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to lose balance and potentially crash.
Maintenance contractors
Companies often hire maintenance contractors to service their vehicles. If these contractors fail to perform adequate maintenance and repairs, resulting in mechanical issues that lead to an accident, they may share liability. The National Safety Council reports the involvement of 5,700 large trucks in fatal crashes for the year 2021. These types of crashes are typically devastating and rarely simple. Getting the maximum amount of compensation you deserve requires understanding all the complexities of a trucking accident.]]>On Behalf of Brock Law Officeshttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/?p=500922023-09-07T17:54:33Z2023-09-07T17:54:33ZNotify your employer
As soon as the accident occurs, you need to inform your employer. Promptly reporting the incident helps establish a clear timeline of events and ensures that your employer is aware of the situation. You have 30 days in which to make a report.
Seek medical attention
If your injuries require medical attention, seek treatment promptly. Keep detailed records of your medical visits, diagnoses and treatment plans. These records will play an important role in supporting your workers' compensation claim.
Document the incident
Write down a detailed account of the accident while the memory is fresh. Include information such as the date, time, location and circumstances surrounding the incident. If there were any witnesses, jot down their names and contact information as well.
File a claim
You will need to file a claim with workers' compensation. Provide them with accurate and complete information. You have two years to file a claim, and you can file online, by mail or in person.
A work accident can be a challenging experience, but taking the right steps afterward can safeguard your workers' compensation claim. Remember, following medical advice and staying truthful throughout the process are key factors in achieving a successful outcome for your claim.]]>On Behalf of Brock Law Officeshttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/?p=500912023-07-11T19:37:03Z2023-07-11T19:37:03ZState laws require companies to have workers' comp
State laws require that all employers have workers' comp. That is true for businesses of all sizes. All drivers working for major commercial companies should have workers' comp. However, those working for smaller trucking companies should also have workers' comp. There is no exception for companies in this industry. As long as a driver is an employee, not a contractor or other laborer, they will have access to workers' comp.
It covers work-related injuries
Workers' comp covers work-related injuries. By Nebraska law, any driver involved in a crash might be eligible for workers' comp. Additionally, drivers injured through other work-related duty, such as getting out of a truck or unloading the freight, can file for workers' comp.
The accident's cause matters
Worker's comp covers medical bills and lost wages. Any driver with a valid case can receive these payments, no matter who caused the accident. Drivers do not have to prove that a third party was at-fault for the accident. That said, who caused the accident is still important for truck accident lawsuits.
Workers' compensation is hard to understand. Each case is unique. However, an experienced truck crash lawyer can help injured drivers get the compensation they deserve. Taking action is the key to getting this compensation.]]>On Behalf of Brock Law Officeshttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/?p=500832023-06-22T19:28:03Z2023-06-22T19:28:03Z1. Claim submission timing
Nebraska law mandates that employees report injuries to their employer within 10 days. Failure to meet this deadline can result in a claim denial.
2. Lack of medical evidence
Medical evidence plays a crucial role in validating a workers' compensation claim. If an employee cannot provide sufficient medical proof to substantiate the injury or the extent of it, the insurance company may deny the claim. It is necessary to keep thorough records of all medical appointments, diagnoses and treatments related to the workplace injury.
3. Injuries outside the workplace
Workers' compensation only covers injuries that occur within the scope of employment. Any injury that does not directly connect to the employee's job responsibilities can result in a claim denial. Therefore, if an employee sustains an injury outside of work or during activities not related to their job duties, the claim might not stand.
4. Insufficient details about the accident
When filing a workers' compensation claim, providing a detailed account of the accident is essential. This description should include the location, time and how the accident happened. If the employee provides insufficient or inconsistent details, the insurance company could find grounds for claim denial.
5. Discrepancies between accident reports and medical records
Insurance companies scrutinize accident reports and medical records closely. If they find discrepancies between the details in the accident report and those in the medical records, they might deny the claim. For example, if an injury mentioned in the medical records does not appear in the initial accident report, the insurance company might question the validity of the claim.
6. Evidence of illegal activities or policy violation
If an employee was violating company policy or engaging in illegal activities at the time of the injury, workers' compensation claims might face denial. Evidence of drug use, for example, could lead to a claim denial.
Understanding these common reasons for claim denial can help employees navigate the workers' compensation claim process more effectively in Nebraska.]]>On Behalf of Brock Law Officeshttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/?p=500782023-05-06T20:40:28Z2023-05-06T20:40:28ZHow do insurance companies try to place blame on injured drivers?
Insurance companies often look for any excuse to deny or reduce payouts. Sometimes this means looking for evidence that you caused the accident. You will need to provide evidence that someone else's negligence caused your injuries.
Even if the crash was not your fault, the insurance company might say your injuries were. They may claim that you did not seek prompt medical attention or that your injuries were not the result of the accident. Finally, the insurance company might call the seriousness of your injuries into question.
How can you strengthen your case?
Medical records are critical evidence in a personal injury case. Detailed medical records can dispute the insurance company's accusations by documenting the seriousness of your injuries and proving that you sought medical attention right after the crash.
The insurance company will conduct its own investigation and may uncover evidence you did not expect. Your lawyer can help you obtain discovery of the insurer's evidence.
When pursuing a personal injury claim, you should use all available resources and prepare yourself to dispute the insurer's attempts to place the blame on you.]]>On Behalf of Brock Law Officeshttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/?p=500702023-03-09T22:58:58Z2023-03-13T21:58:47ZShifted cargo weight
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a heavy load can potentially tip a truck over and cause it to roll along the road. A load that is constantly moving or is not properly tied down can greatly affect the center of gravity on a truck. Truckers may not account for how much their cargo can tip them and make the entire vehicle roll forward.
Sudden turns in the road
Navigating a sharp turn in a truck is different than in a car or a smaller vehicle. Taking a turn too quickly can lead to a truck's weight moving forward too fast and making the whole vehicle roll. Other vehicles that bump them while going around a turn can also lead to a rollover crash.
Extreme speed
A truck that is going over the speed limit is hard to control and a trucker may have trouble slowing down in time to come to a complete stop. When a trucker has to swerve to avoid an obstacle in the road, this excess speed can lead to a truck skidding and flipping over.
Noticing these signs of rushed and dangerous driving can help those who are struggling after a truck accident.]]>On Behalf of Brock Law Officeshttps://www.brocklawoffices.com/?p=500692023-03-08T20:31:24Z2023-03-08T20:31:24Zemotional recovery.
Though motorists keep insurance to protect themselves in the event of a crash, insurance companies may seek to pay out as little as possible in the interest of profits. The following things are tactics to watch out for.
Confusing or misleading a policyholder
Insurance documents are often complex and challenging to comprehend. Policyholders might agree to clauses that remove protections. Sometimes an insurer implies that a clause or wording removes coverage when it does not.
Parties to an accident must report the incident to their insurance companies, but a person must speak cautiously. The insurer typically records the call, and an agent may ask tricky questions that work against the policyholder. For example, any implication that a person feels fine or bore some blame for the crash could lead to denying or minimizing a claim.
Delaying a claim
An insurer might make excuses and become unresponsive to calls. The company might also request more documentation than necessary to calculate losses. This strategy might be in hopes that the claimant stops fighting for more money.
Offering quick settlements
A common strategy for insurers is to act compassionately and offer what seems to be a sizeable and fair settlement. However, the first offer is often a lowball payout and may not take into account all factors that can increase the claim.
Dealing with an insurance company alone can lead to a settlement that does not cover all the damages of an accident. Our truck crash lawyers at Brock Law Offices have experience dealing with insurance companies and can negotiate for you while fighting for appropriate compensation.]]>