Why Choose Us?
We Get Results

Coal Truck Accident Lawyer

Though the country is continuing to push for green energy sources, coal mining continues to be a massive industry. In fact, about 687 million short tons (MMst) of coal was used in the US in 2018. This accounted for about 13 percent of the total national energy consumption. Almost all of this coal, about 93 percent, was used by the electrical industry. coal trucks

The trucks used to transport coal are nothing short of massive. Some coal trucks are so large, the tires themselves stand taller than a large SUV. However, coal-hauling trucks that travel on highways and surface roads are a bit smaller. They are about the size of a dump truck. They generally have two to three axles, meaning they max out at 60,000 pounds if they travel on the highway (depending on the state).

Like other large trucks, once a coal truck gets up to speed, it can be hard for the driver to stop. Their momentum makes their brakes less effective at high speeds, so if traffic suddenly comes to a stop in front of them, they are more likely to cause an accident. What’s more, some coal truck drivers may take surface roads instead of highways to avoid weight restrictions, leaving other drivers on these backroads at risk.

If you have been injured in a coal truck accident, you have legal options. At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we have seen the effects of big truck accidents firsthand. They can lead to severe, and sometimes fatal, injuries, serious property damage, lost wages, and much more. We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Give us a call at 800-559-5741 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a coal truck accident attorney today.

Who Is Responsible for a Coal Truck Accident?

Most coal truck accidents happen because one or more parties acted negligently. In legal terms, negligence refers to a person acting in a way that a reasonable person wouldn’t, thereby causing injury. When it comes to coal hauling trucks, this negligence often means someone didn’t follow federal regulations when it comes to operating the vehicle effectively.

Parties who may be held responsible for coal truck accidents include:

  • The driver, if they didn’t drive safely
  • The truck owner, if they didn’t maintain the truck properly
  • The mining company, if they hired unqualified drivers or overloaded the truck
  • The truck manufacturing company, if a faulty part is to blame for the accident

In some cases, multiple acts of negligence can cause an accident. For example, if the mining company hires a driver who doesn’t have the proper licensing, and that driver takes a turn too sharply and crashes because they didn’t realize how the weight was distributed, both the driver and the company may be responsible for causing the accident.

In order to get the compensation you deserve, you need to hire a coal truck accident lawyer who understands how these types of wrecks happen. Your lawyer will investigate the details of your case to determine which parties are responsible for your injuries and other losses.

Some of the most common causes of coal truck accidents include:

  • Overloaded or unbalanced trucks
  • Unsecured loads and falling debris
  • Driver fatigue
  • Driver inexperience
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Defective or worn-out parts
  • Speeding
How Common Are Accidents with Coal Hauling Trucks?

There isn’t a national database that has a count of coal truck accidents in the United States. But it’s safe to say that these types of wrecks happen more often than they should. In 2019 alone, multiple coal truck accidents made the news, including:

How We Deal with the Insurance Company on Your Behalf

After you’ve been in a wreck with a coal truck, their insurance company may send you a settlement offer. This offer will likely be far less than what you need or deserve. Yet, without the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer, you may not realize just how much compensation you’re owed. But once you accept their offer, you forfeit your right to seek greater compensation.

The insurance company will have teams of lawyers whose sole job is to make sure the company doesn’t have to pay out the compensation that you may be entitled to. These lawyers will use a variety of tactics to pay as little as possible for your injury case. Trust us, we know these tactics — Auger & Auger senior partner Arlene P. Auger once worked for a large insurance company before she became a personal injury lawyer.

When we take on your case, we will do everything we can to negotiate with the insurance company to get a settlement that fully compensates you for all of your damages. Negotiations typically take a shorter time than a lawsuit, meaning we resolve your case faster. But if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we have over 26 years of experience litigating injury cases.

Get Help Today from an Experienced Coal Truck Accident Lawyer

After your accident, you may be left with severe losses. At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to get the compensation you deserve. Depending on the details of your case, our attorneys may be able to get you compensation for:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Physical disfigurement
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Mental anguish

And much more. How much we’re able to get you depends solely on the unique circumstances of your wreck. No two cases are alike, so there’s no way for us to tell you how much your case may be worth or how long it may take. However, from the moment we first talk to you, please know we will do everything we can to help you resolve your case in a manner that is client-focused and professional. We will fight and work hard for you!

Give us a call at 800-559-5741 or contact us online to speak with a coal truck accident attorney today.