Providence Truck Accident Attorney

Serious Help After A Commercial Truck Crash

Collisions with large commercial trucks can change a life in seconds. When a tractor-trailer, big rig, or semi truck hits a passenger vehicle, the people inside the smaller car often suffer the worst of the impact. If you or someone you love has been injured in this kind of crash in the Providence area, you may be dealing with pain, hospital visits, and pressure from insurance companies all at once.

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we represent people and families facing exactly these situations. Our attorneys have handled complex, high-stakes injury cases across Rhode Island since 1975, and we understand how devastating a truck collision can be. With more than 200 years of combined attorney experience and over $1 billion recovered for clients, we have built a record of standing up to corporations and insurers when negligence causes serious harm.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs to speak with us about your potential claim. If you are searching for a truck accident attorney Providence can rely on for serious injury cases, our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

Contact us today at (401) 200-4059 to request a free consultation.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Truck crashes can occur in many ways, and each type presents different legal and investigative challenges. Some of the most common types of 18-wheeler accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions: Large trucks require longer stopping distances, making rear-end crashes especially common in traffic.
• Jackknife accidents: When a trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, it can block multiple lanes and cause chain-reaction collisions.
• Rollover accidents: Top-heavy cargo or sudden maneuvers can cause trucks to overturn.
• Underride accidents: Smaller vehicles may slide beneath a truck’s trailer during impact, leading to severe or fatal injuries.
• Wide-turn accidents: Trucks making wide turns may strike nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
• Blind spot collisions: Large trucks have significant blind spots, increasing the risk of sideswipe crashes.

Each of these scenarios requires careful investigation to determine liability and build a strong personal injury claim.

Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents

Truck accidents rarely happen by chance. They are often the result of negligence by drivers, trucking companies, or other parties. Common causes of big rig accidents include:

• Driver fatigue from exceeding hours-of-service limits
• Distracted driving, including texting or GPS use
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Improper truck maintenance or defective parts
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Poor training or inexperience of commercial drivers

A Providence truck accident lawyer can analyze accident reports, driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records to identify the cause and hold responsible parties accountable.

Common Commercial Truck Accident Injuries

Due to the force involved in truck crashes, victims often suffer serious and life-altering injuries. Common commercial truck accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Severe burns and lacerations
• Neck and back injuries
• Amputations
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

These injuries can lead to long-term medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, and significant emotional distress. Legal representation can help ensure these damages are fully accounted for in a claim.

Where Do Truck Crashes Often Happen in Providence?

Truck accidents can occur anywhere, but certain locations in Providence see higher risks due to traffic patterns and commercial transportation routes. Crashes often happen:

• On major highways and interstates near Providence
• At busy intersections and merging lanes
• In construction zones
• Near shipping and industrial areas
• In areas with heavy commuter traffic

Urban environments with frequent stops and tight roadways can be especially dangerous when large trucks are present. Understanding where accidents happen can help attorneys reconstruct events and determine liability.

The Legal Process of a Truck Accident Claim

Truck accident claims are more complex than standard car accident cases due to the number of parties involved. The legal process often includes:

• Initial consultation and case evaluation
• Investigation of the crash, including collecting evidence and expert analysis
• Identifying liable parties, such as the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or manufacturers
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary
• Discovery, settlement negotiations, or trial

Having legal representation from the start can strengthen your claim and prevent costly mistakes.

Compensation from a Truck Accident Claim

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the circumstances of the case. Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A Providence truck accident lawyer at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. can advocate for full and fair compensation.

Truck Accident FAQs

What should I do after a truck accident in Providence?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident to law enforcement, document the scene if possible, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

Who can be held liable in a truck accident case?

Liable parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or even manufacturers of defective parts.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island law sets a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Acting quickly helps preserve your legal rights and evidence.

What if I was partially at fault for the crash?

You may still recover compensation under comparative negligence laws, though your recovery could be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Are truck accident cases different from car accident claims?

Yes. They involve more complex regulations, higher damages, and multiple parties, which makes legal representation especially important.

How much is my truck accident claim worth?

The value depends on the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact on your life. An attorney can evaluate your case and provide guidance.

Why Injured People Turn To Our Firm

After a crash involving a commercial truck, many people are surprised by how quickly trucking companies and insurers act to protect themselves. These cases often involve multiple parties, complex federal and state regulations, and large amounts of evidence. Choosing the right truck accident lawyer Providence offers can make a real difference in how your case is reviewed and presented.

Our firm has been advocating for injured Rhode Islanders since 1975. During that time, we have recovered more than $1 billion for clients in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. Our work includes Rhode Island’s largest medical malpractice verdict and the state’s second-largest personal injury judgment. Results like these show our ability to handle complex litigation where the stakes are high and the defense is well funded.

Leadership matters in these cases. Principal shareholder Mark B. Decof brings more than four decades of trial and litigation experience, including significant roles in respected trial organizations. Shareholder Mike Quinn has secured multimillion-dollar settlements that help clients rebuild their lives after catastrophic injuries. Shareholder Jeffrey A. Mega has obtained jury verdicts and settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars, reflecting strength in both negotiation and courtroom advocacy.

Truck crashes often cause severe, medically complex injuries, and our background in medical malpractice litigation is a real advantage for clients. Nine of our attorneys have substantial experience analyzing medical issues and working with a network of medical consultants. This helps us understand the full impact of injuries and present clear, accurate evidence of both current and future medical needs.

Clients who come to us are often under intense stress. We work to provide clear communication, honest answers, and direct access to our attorneys throughout the process. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery, while we focus on holding the responsible parties accountable.

To discuss your situation directly with an attorney, call (401) 200-4059 or contact us online today.