If you are thinking of pursuing compensation after a semi-truck accident, being aware of the potential complexities of this case type can help you prepare. Semi-truck accidents tend to be more complicated than traditional car crash cases. But with an experienced attorney on your side, you can smoothly navigate your accident case and pursue adequate compensation.
Learn the differences between semi-truck vs. car accident cases and why the former are more complicated.
Semi-Trucks Often Involve Multiple Liable Parties
Accident cases tend to be more straightforward when there is only one liable party that is clearly responsible for the crash. Semi-truck cases sometimes involve multiple parties, complicating the legal process.
Your first step in any accident case is to pinpoint the liable party. In many truck accidents, several parties may share liability, such as:
- The driver made an error that led to the accident
- The company for failing to train the driver adequately, forcing them to work unsafe hours, or failing to maintain the vehicle to the necessary standards
- A manufacturer for producing a faulty party that caused a malfunction
- Cargo loaders for creating an unbalanced load, causing the truck to jackknife
- Maintenance providers for failing to catch a vehicle malfunction that led to the accident
When comparing semi-truck vs. car accident cases, this element may make it challenging for you to determine the proper channels for making an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit.
Violations of Federal Regulations May Have Contributed to the Crash
Truck companies must follow federal regulations beyond the normal traffic laws to which all drivers must adhere. If the driver who caused your crash violated any such regulations, you may be able to use this as evidence in your insurance claim or litigation.
Examples of potential violations include:
- Hours of service (HOS) violations, in which a driver fails to take required breaks or exceeds the number of hours they can operate a semi-truck in a week, leading to fatigue or impaired reaction times
- Licensure violations, in which the driver failed to complete all of the necessary training to operate a semi-truck, often due to pressure from the company
- Vehicle maintenance violations, in which the driver or company neglected to complete the maintenance checklist to the proper standards, leading to a malfunction
Your attorney will look for any such violations to support your case.
Insurers Representing Truck Companies Tend To Use More Aggressive Tactics
Companies in the trucking industry are often represented by vast insurance teams that use aggressive tactics. These companies are unwilling to go down without a fight, which means your attorney may also need to use aggressive strategies to prove your case and reach an adequate settlement.
You must be cautious whenever you speak with someone from the company’s insurance provider. Saying the wrong thing could hurt your case.
Evidence Collection May Be Trickier
The driver’s company will quickly arrive at the accident scene to begin cleanup. They may remove critical evidence from the scene before any other parties have time to take photos or videos. They also may not make it easy to request black box data, which records their drivers’ activity and can act as evidence in your case.
As a result of such tactics, collecting proof may be more challenging in semi-truck vs. car accidents.
Let Us Help You Navigate a Semi-Truck Accident Case
Accidents involving commercial vehicles can be catastrophic, and you should not miss out on your right to pursue compensation. Allow our attorneys to explain the differences between semi-truck vs. car accidents and represent you moving forward. Contact Warner & Fitzmartin, PLLC, today at 561-803-0167 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.