A recent study by the National Safety Council’s shows that the number of semi-truck crashes with fatalities has gone up 49% between 2012 and 2022. This is bad news for others on the road. When a semi-truck is involved in an accident, the consequences can be much more severe than in a typical car collision. Due to their massive size and weight, trucks can cause catastrophic damage, injuries and an increased likelihood of death to others. Understanding the differences between car and truck accidents is crucial because the legal and insurance issues are often more complex with semi-trucks.
More potential liable parties
With cars, it’s often the negligent driver who is responsible. In a truck-related accident, several parties might be responsible:
- Truck driver: The individual operating the truck during the accident.
- Trucking Company: The business that owns the truck, trains the drivers and ensures they are compliant.
- Cargo Loaders: Poorly loaded trucks can have cargo shift in transit, causing injuries or more severe injuries.
- Truck and parts manufacturers: Vehicle design or manufacturing and parts defects can contribute to the accident.
- Maintenance providers: Improper maintenance can lead to malfunctions.
Safety regulations for truck drivers and companies
Truck drivers and the companies they work for must follow strict safety standards:
- Hours of service regulations limit how long drivers can be on the road.
- Maintenance requirements ensure safe vehicles on the road.
- Training protocols ensure drivers are better prepared for emergencies and day-to-day challenges.
- Licensing standards ensure drivers have the right qualifications.
Officials created these regulations to protect everyone on the road. It can mean liability if the parties who caused the crash don’t follow the rules.
The complexity of truck-related insurance claims
Determining insurance coverage in truck accidents is more complicated than in car accidents. Trucks often have more extensive insurance policies and multiple insurance companies involved due to the different parties associated with the truck. These factors ensure that there is little chance that the driver is uninsured.
Injury attorneys work on contingency
If you’re involved in a truck accident, it’s important to remember that personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means their legal fees are paid only if you win your case. There’s no financial risk to seeking their help. An experienced attorney can navigate the complexities of your truck-related claim and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.