Alexander D. Crecca has extensive experience in handling trucking and auto accidents. Prior to starting The Law Firm of Alexander D. Crecca, Mr. Crecca represented numerous trucking companies, large and small. He is intimately familiar with the tactics used by trucking companies and their lawyers in defending themselves against claims made by injured persons.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a trucking accident or auto accident and you need an experienced zealous trial lawyer, contact The Law Firm of Alexander D. Crecca for help.

Here is some information on the trucking industry and injuries caused by its drivers and trucks:

Semi-truck driver's and companies have a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. A semi-tractor and trailer can way up to 80,000 lbs when fully loaded. Thousands of people have been killed or catastrophically injured by the negligent operation of trucks and tractor-trailers by their drivers and by trucking companies. Deaths or injuries can result from numerous actions including: unsafe driving, driver fatigue, drug and alcohol use, oversized loads, and improper maintenance.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Association, driver fatigue is responsible for 30-40% of all large truck crashes. Almost 20% of surveyed truckers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in the previous three-month period.

In 2001, 429,000 large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 lbs.) were involved in traffic crashes in the United States . Of those, 4,793 were involved in fatal crashes. One out of eight traffic fatalities in 2001 resulted from a collision involving a large truck. More than 131,000 people were injured in those crashes. A person is killed or injured every 4 minutes of every day. Of those killed in trucking accidents, 86% will be a motorist or bystander, not the truck drivers .

What should you do if you are involved in a truck accident?

•  If possible, take down as much information as possible – driver and co-driver's names, witness' names, police officer's names. If you have a camera, take pictures.

•  Contact an attorney as soon as possible. The trucking companies begin their investigation at the accident scene. They send their lawyers and investigators to the scene as soon as possible. They do this to gather facts so that they can begin their defense against you. It is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help preserve evidence, interview witnesses and protect your claims.

•  Do not talk about the case with anyone except for your lawyer. What you tell us is confidential, what you tell anyone else is not.

•  Do not give the truck company, its insurance company, or anyone connected with either one any statement – written or recorded. You are not obligated to talk to them at all. They will attempt to twist your words and use what you say against you.

•  Oftentimes the trauma and pain from the accident can affect your perception of the accident and your ability to communicate the details of what happened. If you must give a statement to the police, and you are injured or traumatized, let the officer know this. You should try to avoid talking to them until you feel better and you are not confused, nervous, upset, in pain, or on medication. Always tell the truth, but don't make detailed statements. Be polite and cooperative, but remember that you have just been involved in an accident and may not possess all your faculties. The trucking company and its insurance company will try to use your statement against you.

•  Do not give the insurance or truck company or any of their affiliates any medical, wage, or damage information. You don't even have to talk to them.

•  People involved in accidents often don't know that they have been injured. If asked if you are okay, say no. Until your condition is assessed by a doctor or health facility, you won't really know if you are “okay”.

•  Do not fake or exaggerate your injuries. Always tell the truth.

Remember, time is of the essence. You need an experienced trucking attorney. Alexander D. Crecca knows the trucking industry and can help. Contact us as soon as possible for legal help for your injuries.