What Should I Do If I’m Hit by a JB Hunt Transportation Truck?

Accidents involving commercial trucks, like those operated by JB Hunt Transportation, can be devastating. With their massive size and weight, these trucks often cause severe injuries and significant property damage. If you’ve been hit by a JB Hunt truck, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. At Zinda Law Group, we are here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of pursuing compensation.

This guide will cover the steps you should take after the accident, common legal challenges, and how a skilled JB Hunt truck accident lawyer can fight for you.

What Should I Do Immediately After the Accident?

Taking the right steps immediately after being hit by a JB Hunt truck can protect your health and strengthen your claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911

·        Report the accident to the police, ensuring an official report is created.

·        Request medical assistance for any injuries, no matter how minor they seem at first.

2. Seek Medical Attention

·        Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Getting checked by a doctor ensures proper treatment and provides documentation for your claim.

3. Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos and videos of:

·        Vehicle damage, including the JB Hunt truck.

·        Skid marks, debris, and road conditions. (be careful and keep your safety in mind, but do not count on anyone else to document the scene. Take special care to photograph any damage to the truck as the company may repair the damage before anyone else can see it.)

 

4. Collect Contact Information

Gather details from:

·        The truck driver (name, license number, and insurance information).

• Take down any witness names and phone numbers. Use the Note function on your phone. If a witness is willing you could even ask them to make a short video of what they witnessed in case they are not available later.

5. Avoid Speaking to JB Hunt’s Representatives

·        Do not admit fault or provide detailed statements to JB Hunt’s insurance adjusters.

·        Refer all communication to your attorney.

Understanding the Role of JB Hunt Transportation

JB Hunt is one of the largest trucking companies in the United States, operating a vast fleet of commercial trucks. These vehicles often carry heavy cargo over long distances, increasing the likelihood of accidents caused by:

·        Driver fatigue.

·        Poor maintenance.

·        Distracted driving.

Given JB Hunt’s resources and aggressive insurance teams, pursuing a claim against them requires a knowledgeable attorney who understands the complexities of trucking laws.

What Causes JB Hunt Truck Accidents?

Understanding the common causes of JB Hunt truck accidents can help establish negligence in your case. These include:

1. Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers must adhere to strict hours-of-service limits set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violating these rules can lead to fatigue-related accidents.

2. Distracted Driving

Using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting GPS can take a driver’s attention off the road, leading to devastating crashes.

3. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

JB Hunt is responsible for ensuring its trucks are roadworthy. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or neglected repairs can cause accidents.

4. Improperly Loaded Cargo

Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, making trucks harder to control and increasing the risk of rollovers.

5. Speeding or Reckless Driving

Pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead to speeding or other unsafe driving practices.

Filing a Claim Against JB Hunt

Pursuing a claim against a large company like JB Hunt involves several steps. Here’s what to expect:

1. Notify JB Hunt and Your Insurance Company

· Report the accident to your insurer and JB Hunt’s insurance provider. Be factual but avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement. Avoid any discussion of your injuries or how you are feeling. Do not give any details of where you have sought treatment or plan to seek treatment. Do not discuss prior injuries or give any personal history. The company or insurance representatives are highly skilled at being friendly and collecting information that will assist them in denying you some or all of your damages.

2. Investigate the Accident

A thorough investigation is key to proving fault. Evidence may include:

·        Black box data from the truck, showing speed and braking patterns.

·        Driver logs to check for hours-of-service violations.

·        Maintenance records for the vehicle.

·        The condition of the vehicle before it can be repaired, including tire tread depth and brake condition.

·        The police report and photos from the scene.

3. Prove Negligence

To win your case, you’ll need to show that JB Hunt or its driver acted negligently. Examples include:

·        Driver error (e.g., fatigue or distraction).

·        Poor vehicle maintenance.

·        Poor driver training or screening.

·        Violations of FMCSA regulations.

4. Calculate Your Damages

Your attorney will help determine the full extent of your losses, including:

·        Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

·        Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

5. Negotiate or File a Lawsuit

If JB Hunt’s insurance company offers an inadequate settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to pursue fair compensation.

Challenges in JB Hunt Truck Accident Claims

Taking on a company like JB Hunt can be challenging. Here are some obstacles you might face:

1. High-Stakes Insurance Companies

JB Hunt’s trucks are insured for substantial amounts, but this means their insurance providers will work aggressively to minimize payouts.

2. Complex Federal Regulations

Trucking companies must comply with FMCSA rules, including limits on driving hours and maintenance requirements. Proving violations often requires expert analysis.

3. Multiple Liable Parties

Liability might not rest solely on the truck driver. Other potentially liable parties include:

·        JB Hunt Transportation (for negligent hiring or training).

·        Maintenance contractors.

·        Cargo loaders.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Claim?

The timeline for settling a JB Hunt truck accident claim depends on factors like:

·        The severity of your injuries and the time it takes you to recover from your injuries; you will have one case and one case only, when it ends it is forever and you will want to make sure the extent of your injuries is known and your complete recovery is afforded

·        The complexity of evidence collection.

·        Whether the case goes to trial.

While some claims settle within a few months, others may take a year or more. An experienced attorney can help expedite the process by building a strong case early on.

Why You Need an Attorney for a JB Hunt Truck Accident

Pursuing a claim against JB Hunt without legal representation can put you at a disadvantage. Here’s how an attorney can help:

1. Protect Your Rights

An attorney will handle all communication with JB Hunt’s insurance team, ensuring you don’t make statements that could harm your case.

2. Gather Critical Evidence

Truck accident cases often require expert analysis of black box data and a complete expert inspection of the truck right away, driver logs, and maintenance records.

3. Maximize Compensation

Your attorney will calculate all damages, including future medical expenses and non-economic losses, to pursue the maximum settlement.

4. Take Your Case to Court if Necessary

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to file a lawsuit and fight for your rights in court.

FAQs About JB Hunt Truck Accidents

1. Can I Sue JB Hunt Directly?

Yes, if JB Hunt’s negligence (e.g., poor maintenance or driver training) contributed to the accident.

2. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.

3. What If I’m Partially at Fault?

Under Texas’s comparative negligence rules, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault.

4. How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

At Zinda Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

 

Call Zinda Law Group Today

If you’ve been hit by a JB Hunt truck, don’t face the aftermath alone. Call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.