If you have ever been involved in a car accident, you might think you can handle a collision with a commercial truck in the same way you dealt with your car crash. However, truck crashes involving semis present some unique challenges that are better left to a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney. We explain some of the key differences between an ordinary car accident and a crash with a commercial truck.
Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents
Car accidents are typically caused by driver error. Drivers might fail to yield or take the right of way when it isn’t their turn. Drivers distracted by their phones or other passengers in the car can also cause a collision. But truck accidents are different. While the collision can be caused by driver error, there can also be complicating factors. The driver’s employer may be at least partially to blame if there was a malfunction in equipment or failure to conduct appropriate inspections.
According to our personal injury attorney, gathering evidence and conducting an investigation following a truck crash also differ from a car accident. In an oridnary car accident, a police report is usually filed, and the two drivers exchange insurance information. When a semi-truck is involved, however, there is more extensive research and evidence collected. This includes looking into the truck driver’s training and medical conditions, what sort of pre-trip truck inspections were done, how many hours the driver has been driving and resting, and even the history of accidents the company has been involved in.
Finally, since a truck collision can cause so much more damage and injury than a car, truck companies carry a much higher amount of insurance. According to our personal injury attorney, this can be of benefit to you if you are injured and decide to litigate, but it also means the trucking company will fight back to avoid a big payout.
Other differences between truck and car accidents include:
- More severe injuries to the driver of the car
- Higher medical bills for the driver of the car
- More damage to your vehicle
Finally, there are differences in laws and regulations. Truckers are accountable to federal laws about their qualifications, hours of service, medical conditions, and more.
Hiring a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney After a Truck Crash or Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it is essential that you hire a qualified personal injury attorney. You will be up against not just another driver but an entire commercial truck company, which carries strong legal protection. The good news is they are also capable of awarding large settlements. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the litigation process.
At SJ Injury Attorneys, our personal injury attorneys are experienced at representing those who have been injured in a crash with a commercial truck. It pays to have someone in your corner who knows the ins and outs of the system. Call us today for a consultation.
|
Related Links: |