US Xpress Enterprises Trucking Accident Lawyer
CALL (800) 863-5312 TO SPEAK WITH A US XPRESS ENTERPRISES ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR FREE
US Xpress Enterprises is one of America’s largest privately-owned truckload carriers in the United States. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the company’s operations span North America, which includes both Mexico and Canada. The company was found by Max Fuller and Patrick Quinn in 1986. Originally beginning with a fleet of 48 trucks, US Xpress Enterprises now has 7,000 tractors and 15,5000 trailers at its disposal. In general, the company serves manufacturers, retailers, and other freight companies. The company is proud of being one of the first truckload carriers to integrate satellite communications fully. It is also proud of incorporating other technologies onto their tractor-trailers such as roll stability, disc brakes, and accident avoidance systems.
If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident with a US Xpress Enterprises tractor-trailer, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Zinda Law Group at (888) 449-1160 for a free consultation with one of our trucking accident injury lawyers.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Driver Error
Trailer truck drivers, like all other drivers, are imperfect. However, because trailer truck drivers must driver for much longer periods than average drivers, they are much more susceptible to fatigue. Therefore, there have been many instances of truck drivers asleep at the wheel. Of course, trailer truck drivers, like average drivers, been known to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs, drive distractedly or drive recklessly.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Trucks drive thousands of miles every day. As a result, these vehicles experience a large amount of wear and tear. Though trucking companies, drivers, and maintenance crews are supposed to make sure the trucks are fit to drive, these companies, in order to save costs, often neglect the maintenance of their vehicles.
As a result, equipment failures occur. If, for instance, a tractor-trailer has a worn brake pad or a broken windshield, such an issue can cause a major traffic accident. Though it is a driver’s responsibility to check his or her tractor-trailer at the beginning of every shift and submit a vehicle maintenance report, many drivers cut corners. Unfortunately, failure to do so can lead to a fatal accident.
Defective Equipment
Though failure to properly maintain a vehicle can lead to defective equipment, it is also true that the equipment could arrive defective. In fact, an equipment manufacturer may be guilty of negligence if it can be proved that it sold defective equipment used in an 18-wheeler.
Poor Weather
Poor driving conditions are a common cause of trucking accidents. Truck drivers must drive in all sorts of weather. However, not all drivers are prepared to drive in all types of inclement weather. Heavy rain, heavy snow, or especially ice can lead even the most careful of tractor trailer drivers into accidents. Remember that because tractor trailers are extremely heavy, they have slower stopping speeds than regular passenger vehicles.
To learn more about the impact of poor weather on driving, view data collected by the Federal Highway Administration.
Improper Cargo Loading
Though tractor trailers can carry extremely heavy loads, they do have limits. There have been many instances when companies have tried to save costs by loading more cargo than a tractor trailer can bear. If this occurs, a tractor trailer is more susceptible to accidents as it becomes much more difficult to control.
Common Injuries from Trucking Accidents
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Head Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Lacerations
- Rib and Torso Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Seat Belt Injuries
Learn More: Common Injuries Caused By Trucking Accidents
US Xpress Enterprises Accident Settlements
When you file a personal injury claim against a party, that party may offer a settlement with you. Settlement essentially means that you and the other party will negotiate on the amount of damages without going to court. However, settlements with a trucking company can be much more complicated than a regular automobile accident settlement because of the number of other parties involved such as the tractor-trailer driver.
The US Xpress Truck Accident Lawyers of Zinda Law Group offer free consultations and operate on a contingency basis, meaning you will not owe us anything unless we win your case.
Learn More: How Do Truck Accident Settlements Work?
How to File a Claim Against US Xpress Enterprises
1. Call an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Filing a personal injury claim can be physically and mentally taxing. An experienced lawyer may help you make the process of filing a claim less exhausting by taking some of the heaviest responsibilities off your shoulders.
Learn More: Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
2. Mediation
Once you file a claim with a court, a judge may set a date for a trial or set up a meeting with a mediator who will try to find a compromise between you and the other party.
3. Investigation/Discovery
If mediation fails to achieve an agreement between the parties, your case may move into the discovery or investigative phase. At this stage, collect all of the relevant documents and evidence necessary to file a claim. These include medical bills, witness statements, official reports, employment reports, etc.
This stage is also where depositions may occur. Depositions are essentially interviews conducted by lawyers with people who have information pertinent to your case.
The trucking accident lawyers of Zinda Law Group have dedicated investigators and will research a variety of factors to demonstrate the liability of negligent truck drivers after an accident.
4. Case Settlement
Case settlement may occur at the mediation phase, but case settlement may also occur during the discovery/investigative stage. If an insurance company sends you an offer, be sure to discuss the offer with your lawyer. Do not simply accept the offer as your lawyer may be able to negotiate with the insurance company for a more favorable offer.
5. Trial
If after discovery, no settlement is reached, then your case may go to trial. Two types of trials exist: bench and jury. Bench trials are trials where the judge will hear the evidence, apply the laws applicable in your case, and make a ruling. In jury trials, the judge plays a lesser role, but he or she will still set which laws are applicable to your case. Unlike a bench trial, however, the jury will decide the outcome of your case.
Compensation for Accidents with US Xpress Enterprises
Compensation is provided for economic losses and non-economic losses.
Economic losses include the following:
• past and future medical bills
• past and future lost wages
• damaged property
• past and future loss of earning capacity
Non-economic losses include the following:
• past and future emotional anguish
• pain
• loss of enjoyment of activities
Please note that certain courts use what is called a modified comparative fault rule when it determines how much compensation a victim receives. What this rule states is that if an injured victim was 51% or more at fault for an accident, then he or she cannot recover compensation.
However, if the victim is found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, his or her compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault. For instance, if the jury awarded you $100,000 in compensation but also found that you were 50% at fault, then the actual amount of compensation you will receive will be $50,000.
Learn More: What Types of Damages Am I Entitled to in a Truck Accident?
Legal Time Limits
Each state has what is called a statute of limitations, which is the legal term for the time limit for filing a lawsuit. For instance, many states have a statute of limitations of two years for personal injury lawsuits. This means that if you do not file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of your injury, you may lose your entitlement to compensation.
Get Help from the Trucking Accident Lawyers at Zinda Law Group
Trying to file a law against a company as large as US Xpress Enterprises will be difficult without the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer. Lawyers at Zinda Law Group have handled hundreds of cases dealing with trucking accidents and have the resources and experience necessary to handle your case. Remember that Zinda Law Group operates on a no win no fee agreement. This means that if we do not win your case, you pay us nothing.
If you or your loved one has suffered an accident with a US Xpress Enterprises tractor trailer, you or your loved one may be entitled to compensation. Call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers today.
Meetings with attorneys by appointments only.
In addition to US Xpress, Zinda Law Group is prepared to handle trucking accident cases with a variety of carriers, including:
