Schneider Transportation Trucking Accident Lawyer

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Schneider National, Inc., otherwise known as Schneider trucking, is one of the largest trucking companies in the United States.  Based out of Green Bay, Wisconsin, the company conducts business in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and China, employs over 19,000 individuals, and is worth over $4 billion. 

Given the size of the company and the nature of its operations, it should come as no surprise that Schneider trucks and Schneider truck drivers have been involved in commercial vehicle accidents over the years.  These accidents can and often do lead to serious injuries that may result in life-changing consequences.  This article will cover several important topics relating to Schneider trucking company accidents, including common causes, the claim filing process, and what forms of compensation may be available.

If you are interested in filing a claim or would like to learn more about Schneider driver accidents, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 to receive a free case evaluation with one of our trucking accident lawyers.

SCHNEIDER TRANSPORTATION SAFETY VIOLATIONS

According to data collected by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCA), Schneider trucks were involved in approximately 910 crashes in the years 2018 and 2019.  During that same time period, Schneider trucks underwent approximately 8,960 vehicle inspections.  Of those, there were found to be over 3,000 incidents of vehicle maintenance violations.  Of the approximate 17,400 driver inspections that were conducted during this time period, there were found to be over 400 incidents of hours-of-service violations and approximately 9 drug and alcohol violations. The FMCA records indicate that Schneider has also been cited for numerous safety violations during this time frame.  Examples include:

COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCKING ACCIDENTS

Driver Fatigue

One of the most common causes of trucking accidents is driver fatigue.  Truck drivers are often forced to work long shifts, sometimes reaching up to fourteen hours.  Although there are laws in place to ensure that truck drivers receive adequate rest, some trucking companies demand more from their drivers.  Pressure to meet deadlines and reach target destinations adds extra stress to truck drivers, thus making matters even worse.  These factors may combine to lead to decreased concentration or even falling asleep at the wheel.

Lack of Training

Some trucking companies take figurative shortcuts by hastily training employees.  Improperly trained employees may be ill-equipped to handle and operate a commercial vehicle.  As a result, these inexperienced drivers may pose an increased risk of causing a trucking accident.

Insufficient Maintenance

Trucking companies may also contribute to commercial vehicle accidents by neglecting to properly maintain company trucks.  For instance, insufficient maintenance can lead to faulty brakes or overly-dim headlights.  In turn, these mechanical issues may be the primary cause of an automobile accident.  In such cases, the trucking company may be held liable for negligence.

Intoxication

Just like regular motorists, truck drivers are susceptible to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Alcohol and drug use can impair a driver’s focus and coordination, which may lead to a serious accident.

COMMON INJURIES FROM TRUCKING ACCIDENTS   

Injuries resulting from trucking accidents come in many forms.  Some injuries may be minor and temporary.  However, in many cases, trucking accident injuries can be life-changing.   Listed below are several common injuries that may result from a trucking accident.   

Head and Neck Injuries  

Head and neck injuries are very prevalent amongst victims of truck collisions.  For example, many victims of trucking accidents suffer whiplash, a neck injury that occurs when a person’s head is suddenly forced backward.  Yet another example are concussions, which occur when a victim’s head collides with an interior part of their vehicle.  If this direct collision between head and object is substantial, the victim may suffer a concussion.

Cuts, Scarring, and Permanent Disfigurement

Many trucking accidents end up with one or more passengers sustaining some form of laceration, cut, bruise, or scar.  In extreme cases, particularly those in which seatbelts are not worn, a collision may lead to a passenger being ejected from their vehicle, which may cause permanent disfigurement of the face or body.

Spinal Injuries and Paralysis

Trucking accidents may also lead to severe spinal cord injuries.  The sheer impact of a collision involving a commercial truck may be enough to trigger various forms of spinal injuries.

Death

Unfortunately, some trucking accidents result in death.  Fatalities in trucking accidents commonly include pedestrians, elderly persons, small children, or passengers who are not wearing a seatbelt. 

SCHNEIDER TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENT SETTLEMENTS

If you decide to file a claim against Schneider, it is possible that the trucking company may offer a settlement before your case reaches the trial stage.  In these cases, the company or the company’s insurance carrier may offer you a certain amount of money in exchange for you dropping your claim against Schneider. 

Settling a trucking accident case is an important decision that should not be taken lightly.  Many times, a trucking company may propose a low settlement offer hoping that the injured party will simply accept without asking questions or attempting to negotiate a better offer.  However, it is important to realize that settlements can be negotiated.  Therefore, it is worth considering discussing your case with a trucking accident attorney before accepting any settlement offers.

Learn More: How Do Truck Accident Settlements Work?

HOW TO FILE A CLAIM AGAINST SCHNEIDER TRANSPORTATION

1.Call a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you wish to file a lawsuit against a trucking company such as Schneider, your first step will be to contact a trucking accident attorney.  Because trucking accidents often involve complex legal issues such as contributory negligence and vicarious liability, it may be in your best interest to seek consultation from a trucking accident attorney before making any important decisions. 

After contacting an attorney, the attorney may speak with you in person or over the phone to gather all the facts and circumstances of your case.  If necessary, the attorney may then initiate the formal process of filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Learn More: Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

2. Investigation

The next phase in the claim filing process is the investigation phase.  During this phase, your attorney may try to build the strength and credibility of your case by conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.  This may require interviewing witnesses and at-fault parties, sifting through company documents, and uncovering other forms of helpful evidence.  An investigation may also involve accounting for each of your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. 

3. Negotiation and Case Settlement

At some point in the claim filing process, it is possible that Schneider or Schneider’s insurance carrier will attempt to settle your claim.  The settlement process involves back-and-forth negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company.

During this process, your attorney may advocate on your behalf to get the insurance company to pay a fair value of your claim.  If the insurance company refuses to pay an amount that is fair or satisfactory, it may be necessary to litigate your claim in court. 

COMPENSATION FOR ACCIDENTS WITH SCHNEIDER TRUCKING

If a lawsuit is brought against a trucking company, the company or the insurance company that covers the company may be required to compensate the victim for any harm suffered.  This compensation, known as “damages,” comes in two primary forms: Economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are damages that can be accounted for and calculated.  In trucking accident cases, economic damages may include compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Lost income (present and future)
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Property damage

Non-economic damages are intangible losses that cannot be quantified but are rather subjectively evaluated by a jury in a lawsuit.  Types of non-economic damages in trucking accident cases may include:

Punitive damages are the third component of damages that may also be awarded in a trucking accident case, depending on the jurisdiction.  This form of damages is not awarded in order to compensate the victim for harm suffered.  Instead, punitive damages may be awarded as a means of punishing the at-fault party for, especially reckless, egregious, or intentional conduct.

LEGAL TIME LIMITS

A “statute of limitations” is a legal time-limit on which a person must file a lawsuit.  If an injured party neglects or otherwise fails to bring a claim within the applicable statute of limitations, that party is effectively barred from litigating the claim in court.  Statutes of limitations vary from state to state.

In most states, there is either a two or three-year statute of limitations for motor vehicle accident claims.  This includes claims against trucking companies such as Schneider.  If your state has a two-year statute of limitations, this means that you must file a lawsuit against the at-fault party no later than two years from the date of the accident. 

Because a statute of limitations is a critical aspect of any personal injury case, and because various events may pause or extend a statute of limitations, it is important that you consider discussing your case with a personal injury attorney.  Doing so may help you file a claim in a timely fashion.

Learn More: How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

GET HELP FROM THE TRUCKING ACCIDENT LAWYERS AT ZINDA LAW GROUP

At Zinda Law Group, our truck accident attorneys have the experience needed to assist you in case of a trucking accident. Our firm is ready to provide you with the knowledge and resources necessary to help you address the concerns that come with being involved in a wreck.

If you would like to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer or to learn more about liability following a truck accident, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 to receive your free case evaluation.

Meetings with attorneys are by appointment only.

Zinda Law Group is prepared to handle trucking accident cases with a variety of carriers, including: