Being in a truck accident cannot be compared to a car accident; it’s a lot more complicated. If you were in a truck accident, you probably have questions: “Who is responsible? Who do I collect damages from? Is it the truck driver’s fault?” By their nature, truck accidents involve more players than a typical car accident. From the truck driver to the truck’s owner to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it takes industry know-how to properly navigate a truck accident claim. Here, we will explain why semi-truck accident claims are different and why you may want to find an excellent truck accident attorney to help you with your claim.
The Size and Weight of the Semi-Truck and the Extent of Injuries
One of the main reasons that semi-truck accident claims are different than car accident claims has to do with the sheer size and weight of semi-trucks. When a collision with a truck occurs, those involved often suffer serious injuries due to the sheer size and weight that semi-trailers and other large trucks carry. The impact alone is sometimes enough to cause severe damage to the head and spinal cord. If you are thinking about getting a truck accident lawyer to help with your claim, you are going to want to find someone with experience with these types of serious injuries.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
No matter what the cause of a truck accident may be, the consequences of these types of collisions can be serious and, in the worst case, fatal. Driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents in the trucking industry. This is often because trucking companies award drivers for arriving on time or early, and so have a hard time deterring drivers from driving tired or over the legal amount of hours, even with extensive federal regulations in place.
Additionally, many truck accidents occur due to the following reasons:
- Speeding
- Drug use
- Alcohol consumption
- Fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Impatient driving
- Failure to comply with signs and signals
Semi-trucks, the companies that own them, and the drivers who operate them are all held to specific federal and state regulations. An experienced attorney in semi-truck accident claims can ensure that any infractions or violations of these laws are taken into account in the claim.
Who Is Liable for a Semi-Truck Accident?
Another reason semi-truck accident claims are different is because of the number of entities that may be involved in the claim. In cases like driver fatigue, the driver alone may not bear full responsibility. The trucking company could be found liable if they weren’t following safety guidelines and/or maintaining proper policies. You may even have to file more than one claim if more than one company is responsible for different parts of the truck. For example, the tractor might be owned and insured by one company or owner/operation, while the trailer might be owned and insured by another company. Liability in a semi-truck accident can be complex and is one of the key reasons to consult an experienced truck accident attorney. He or she can help you understand your case and your options.
Brandon J Broderick, Attorney at Law, Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Are you considering talking to an attorney about an injury you or a loved one sustained in a truck accident? At, Brandon J Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in compassion and empathy and want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success, we can get you the justice you deserve.