Trucking Accidents

An accident with a commercial truck can be a catastrophic experience, as serious injuries and expenses could result. Accidents with trucks are also complicated; multiple parties may be at fault, and you may have to file claims with several insurance companies, depending on the trucker’s liabilities.  These kinds of accidents are some of the most serious that you can have on the road, and you should allow an expert lawyer handle what can often be a complicated case.

Four Reasons to Get an Attorney in a Trucking Accident

• Serious damages
  • Since trucks are massive vehicles, they can cause much more damage than your average car or van in an accident. Trucks can be even more dangerous if they have full loads or carry hazardous material. Trucks are generally just much heavier than average cars, they have a longer stopping distance, and are just likely to cause serious damage when in an accident (Large truck accident statistics).
• Complicated Regulations
  • While average drivers will know what they are responsible for in maintaining their vehicle, it can be difficult to know whether a truck driver was following regulations at the time of the accident. Truckers need to not only maintain records on inspections and maintenance as other drivers do, they need to keep updated certifications and follow regulations on how long they are on the road and how often they rest. Oftentimes it is not just the driver who can be held liable for the accident, but potentially the trucking company. (For examples, see FMCSA cargo regulations)
• Trucking Insurance
  • Claims with trucking insurance companies are different as there may be several policies in place, and often truck insurance companies have a vested interest in settling as inexpensively as possible. The bigger the trucking company, the harder it is to fight against them. A lawyer knows how to investigate and negotiate on your behalf with these difficult insurance companies. (Commercial Truck Insurance info)
• Multiple Parties
  • Truckers, and the companies they work for, have to follow federal and state regulations to maintain their rigs and certifications. Therefore, multiple parties may need to be sued or at least investigated as to their role in the accident.

What a Lawyer Can Do

An experienced accident lawyer can investigate details of an accident and determine the true cost of damages, including pain and suffering. Lawyers know how to investigate both federal and state regulations for trucks to determine if they were following protocols at the time of the accident. Our office can also investigate who is at fault: the driver,  the trucking company, or even both. We can also handle the communication with the at-fault parties and negotiate with well-funded insurance companies. It is not easy to go up against a trucking company in a lawsuit because of the multi-faceted aspects that you must work through. If you are injured in a trucking accident, please reach out to us and we will help you get the settlement you deserve.