If you or a loved one gets involved in a Swift trucking accident, you’ll know they will try to deny or reduce any payouts they may owe you. The company is no stranger to the courtroom since they’ve been cited for violations over 19,000 times from 2016 to 2018 alone.
Their lawyers have plenty of experience dealing with negligence lawsuits, and you may fall for their strategies. It is in your best interest to retain the services of a capable truck accident attorney so you can secure the settlement amount you deserve.
Swift Transportation Company Snapshot
Swift is a Phoenix, Arizona-based carrier deploying over 23,000 trucks nationwide. They’re one of the largest transport and logistics businesses in the country. However, the number of citations involving the company is almost as numerous as their entire fleet.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 31 fatal accidents involving Swift Transportation drivers from 2020 to 2022. In addition, their truckers were involved in 299 accidents in the same period that resulted in serious injuries.
Some of the other violations their drivers made include:
- Driving without a license
- Operating trucks while fatigued or sick
- Hours of service violations
- Speeding
- Texting while driving
Many of these incidents are preventable. However, the company hires many drivers with only minimum driving experience. In addition, the majority of their drivers are new and inexperienced. An experienced Arlington truck accident lawyer will help determine this and other factors while building your case.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Swift
You’ll need the help of a seasoned truck accident lawyer to draft a lawsuit against this trucking company. You need to file a complaint spelling out the allegations against them. Your attorney should outline what caused the crash and the compensation and relief you’re demanding for your injuries and damages.
Your truck accident attorney will also guide you, so you’ll know what to do in case you were involved in a Swift trucking accident:
- Seeking Medical Care: Anyone involved in a trucking accident will require emergency medical care. Even if your injuries are minor, you still need to seek care to document your injuries. These medical records serve as evidence to prove your case and boost your claims against the company. An experienced Arlington truck accident lawyer can help you prepare insurance paperwork, doctor’s notes, medical imaging scans and hospital bills. These documents will help you get the best damages reward and a fair settlement.
- Signing or Agreeing to Statements or Agreements: Some representatives from Swift Trucking or their insurance providers may approach you asking you to agree to specific terms or signing statements. It would be best if you meet with them with professional legal counsel. Your truck accident attorney should be there to guide you through the discussion, telling you which statements you should make and ensuring certain agreements are in your best interest.
The statute of limitations for filing lawsuits varies from one state to another. The legal deadline ranges from one to six years. Having a seasoned lawyer on your side will help you meet this deadline fully equipped with a strong case and the necessary evidence.
Common Causes of Swift Trucking Accidents
Aside from hiring inexperienced drivers, there are other reasons why Swift truckers get involved in many truck accidents:
- Driver Fatigue: The FMCSA reports that driver fatigue is one of the significant causes of trucking accidents. Their experts point out that many trucking companies, including Swift, have drivers working around 17 hours a day.
- Aggressive Driving: Some drivers struggle to keep deadlines, which results in some of them driving aggressively and making poor decisions while on the road.
- Common Road Hazards: Like other truck drivers, Swift truckers face the same common hazards while delivering goods. They must deal with bad weather, equipment failure and simple things like flat tires and overheating engines.
Who Else Can Be Responsible for a Swift Trucking Accident
Other than the truck driver, other parties may be held accountable for the accident:
- The manufacturers of Swift’s truck parts.
- The employees that are responsible for truck maintenance.
- The people who loaded the cargo.
- Other motorists who may have contributed to the circumstances leading to the accident.
How an Arlington Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Retaining the services of a seasoned truck accident attorney will help you account for critical areas of your settlement demand, such as the following:
- Medical expenses related to all your injuries from the first ambulance ride until your full recovery.
- Lost income, including unemployment, missed work, inability to return to skilled work, and loss of work-related benefits.
- Pain and suffering, including psychological suffering and long-term permanent injuries.
Being involved in a Swift trucking accident can be a traumatic experience. It would be best if you learned more about your options to get the compensation you deserve. Call the Law Offices of David Kohm today at our convenient locations and get a free consultation.
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