Kroger Truck Accidents

Kroger Truck Accidents

According to truckinginfo.com, the major supermarket chain, Kroger, operates more than 1,200 semi-truck units (i.e. Tractors) and as many as 1,800 trailers. Kroger operates across 35 states, servicing as many as 12,000 grocery and retail stores nationwide. While Kroger typically has a good safety record with the Department of Transportation, this Cincinnati-based corporation has had a number of major truck accidents over the years. Kroger operates under various titles and assumed names, including the following:

• Kroger
• Ralphs
• Smith’s Food and Drug
• Harris Teeter

Experienced trucking attorneys know how to deal with large food-delivery trucking companies when their drivers are negligent and cause harm to others. Here are some key things to consider if you ever happen to be injured in a Kroger truck accident.

• Call 9-1-1 Immediately. It can be tempting to assume you are fine or to “tough-it-out” and get back on the road. Most truck drivers will leave a crash site uninjured. Do not rely on the driver to give you accurate information. Now is the time to call the police and get the authorities on the scene right away.
• Get Medical Care Right Away. Once you have swapped information and gotten paperwork from the police on scene, you should immediately follow-up with a local hospital. By going to the emergency room, you will get a basic evaluation, including x-rays and other tests to ensure that you do not have fractures, disc injuries, or head trauma.
• Follow-up Care. Insurance carriers and trucking companies love to deny claims because injured people failed to take reasonable steps to follow-up with care. Be sure you go to your family doctor or some other specialist to follow-up after the ER.
• Do Not Talk to Insurance Reps. Insurance representatives are trained to get you to admit things or sign things that are not in your best interests. The best way to deal with these individuals is to ignore them or politely get their information, and then have your attorney call back later.

Why Trucking Accidents Happen

There are many reasons for truck accidents.  Sometimes, people are often shocked to find out that a truck driver was either unlicensed or untrained to operate the type of vehicle he or she was driving. Likewise, it can be remarkably unbelievable to hear that a truck driver fell asleep behind the wheel or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Fortunately, large trucking companies are usually responsible for the injuries their employees cause. Do not expect an insurance adjuster to share this information with you. Their job is to not pay you.

Losses You can Claim

If injured by a Kroger truck, you may have a right to collect money for your injuries and losses. These can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Lost income and wages
• Wrongful death damages
• Reimbursement for adaptive housing or devices

The only way to collect these funds is to carefully submit a claim and pursue compensation. If the insurance company will not pay by agreement, you may need to file suit and litigate. If so, a trucking accident lawyer from Kruger & Hodges is ready to speak to you today.