Differences Between Car and Commercial Truck Accidents
Sadly, road accidents happen every single day. However, not all of these accidents are alike. When a truck is involved, for example, it’s usually significantly more severe because of the vast size of the vehicle.
- According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, accidents with commercial trucks make up 287,000 instances of property damage claims, 77,000 personal injury claims, and 4,321 fatalities each year. These vehicles are enormous and usually dwarf the cars they collide with.
A truck accident will also require more investigation time than a regular crash. The analysis makes truck collisions more time-consuming, complicated, and expensive to remedy.
Truck Accident Liability
Liability laws are one of the reasons why it may be difficult to settle a truck accident case. While the cause is often a human error, there are other reasons for these encounters that may be the fault of the trucking company instead of the truck driver.
Sometimes, equipment failure is to blame for these accidents, so the driver cannot be accused. However, the driver may be held partially responsible if they did not perform an inspection before getting behind the wheel to ensure that everything was in proper working order. The company itself is also responsible for properly maintaining the truck and making sure that there are no potential hazards.
Compensation for Damages
If a person suffers an injury after an accident involving a truck, they have a legal right to receive compensation. If the truck driver was responsible for the accident, the individual can file a personal injury claim and recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing treatment
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- .. and much more
A motorist can also seek compensation if there was any damage to their vehicle or property, but it is important to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. A driver should also do their best to document the crash scene, as photos and witnesses can come in handy should the matter go to court.
Retaining an Attorney
It’s vital for anyone involved in an accident with a truck to obtain a personal injury attorney. These types of accidents tend to be complicated and may include a great deal of investigation and evaluation. The experienced Tucson personal injury lawyers at Karnas Law Firm will fight for you against insurance and trucking companies to help ensure that you are accurately compensated for all damages. Don’t try taking on massive trucking companies without legal representation. Contact us today at (520) 571-9700 for a free case evaluation.