Truck accidents can be devastating and traumatic. Accidents involving heavy vehicles are much more dangerous than car accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident, know that you are eligible for compensation. Talk to a truck accident attorney to learn more.
What are the significant differences between truck and car accidents?
The laws for truck accidents differ from state to state, but some of the key differences between car and truck accidents are:
Truck accidents are much more dangerous than car accidents and can cause more severe injuries
Source: forbes.com
Trucks are hefty vehicles. They can weigh up to as much as 80,000 pounds, and thus they can cause some very severe injuries and even lead to death. Truck accidents can be a lot more severe than car ones.
There can be multiple defendants for truck accidents
In a car accident, only the car driver is held responsible. However, in a truck accident, the blame can be on multiple parties, such as the manufacturing companies and providers, not just the truck drivers.
The rules for truckers may be different than the rules for car drivers
Truck drivers have some special rules that apply to them. For example, they have a limited time within which they can drive due to the drive-by-service rules. Truck drivers have special rules and guidelines that they have to follow, and if they have failed to follow these special rules, then that may be used as proof of their negligence.
Truck drivers may have more insurance coverage
Source: bethanyins.com
The insurance coverage can depend from company to company, but trucking companies generally have higher minimum insurance coverage.
Preceding A Trucking Accident: Action Steps
1. Immediately dial 911
Call 911 right away if you have been in a trucking accident.
2. Get medical help
As soon as emergency personnel arrives on the scene of the accident, seek medical attention. Visit your physician as quickly as you can, even if you do not first seem injured.
3. Avoid mentioning the case or accepting responsibility
Do not talk about your injury or your accident claim in detail. Avoid using social media and refrain from interacting with the insurance provider until consulting with an Atlanta truck accident lawyer.
4. Gather documentation and evidence
Take pictures of the accident scene and your wounds. Do not forget to save any medical records that pertain to your accident and subsequent medical treatment, such as hospital bills and medical records. Along with police reports and eyewitness testimony, this crucial evidence will be used to support your claim.
5. Remain mindful of the Statute of Limitations
Do not wait to file a lawsuit after your transportation accident. Remember that you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file your claim because of the statute of limitations.
6. Hire a truck accident attorney in Atlanta in step six
Consult a lawyer with experience managing challenging trucking accident cases if you need legal advice. Although it is possible to proceed without legal counsel, be aware that the legal system can be very challenging to understand.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Trucking Accident?
Source: lawyerinmontana.com
Because there are numerous contributing circumstances, trucking accidents are some of the most difficult personal injury claims. Additionally, there are several parties who might be held accountable, including the following:
1. The Operator
Most trucking accidents are caused in large part by driver irresponsibility. Among the most prevalent types of negligence are impaired driving, speeding, aggressive or careless driving, intoxicated driving, and drowsy driving. In the trucking industry, it is common for drivers to be sleepy or exhausted while operating a vehicle. This is frequently due to drivers’ prolonged time on the road and overnight driving without enough sleep.
If it can be demonstrated that the driver broke one or more state or federal trucking standards, this could establish culpability in a truck accident claim.
2. Transportation Company
Due to various factors, including inadequate hiring practices and training, the driver’s employer may bear some of the blame for the accident. Another possible defense the trucking firm may have is that it encouraged the truckers to travel too far by giving them unreasonable delivery dates. Some businesses may even attempt to avoid liability by arguing that the operator is an independent worker rather than an employee. However, this does not necessarily imply that they fall within the legal parameters of this designation.
3. The Company That Loaded the Truck with Cargo or Shipping
Some trucking accidents happen as a result of poor loading or exceeding the truck’s weight restrictions. This can cause the vehicle to tip over or roll over, particularly in windy weather.
Who Is in Charge of Truck Maintenance?
In-service semi-trucks often travel a lot of miles each month. This makes proper maintenance and keeping the car in good functioning order vitally necessary.
However, on occasion, there may be pressure to get the trucks back on the road, which could lead maintenance staff to take shortcuts and neglect to safeguard the vehicle’s safety.
A Vehicle or Vehicle Part Supplier that is Flawed
Source: hsinjurylaw.com
Many commercial trucking accidents are caused by unsafe or defective vehicles or vehicle parts malfunctioning inappropriately. Examples could include tire blowouts, brake line failures, and computer dashboard issues.
What kind of compensation can you receive after a truck accident?
After a truck accident, you can receive certain types of compensation depending on your
case. Some of these are:
1. Economic damages
Some of the economic damages you can recover are medical bills, legal fees, lost wages, property damages, etc.
2. Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages may include damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement or scarring, reduced quality of life, etc.
3. Wrongful death damages
If a loved one has died in a car accident, then some family members can get compensation.
4. Punitive damages
Punitive damages are a kind of punishment for the wrongdoer rather than compensation for the injured. In some truck accident cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Speak to an attorney today!
If you get in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced truck accident attorney. Schedule a consultation today and protect your legal rights.
