According to NHTSA research, truck accidents alone accounted for over 4000 fatalities in the USA in 2020. Not to mention, damage caused by big rigs can result in severe injuries for those who may survive the crash. The catastrophic consequences, coupled with other factors, can make recovering damages a challenging task.
If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident, filing a personal injury claim might be your only hope for recovering compensation. This article outlines the different factors that typically contribute to the complexity of big rig and truck accidents.
The Nature Of Injuries:
A significant factor contributing to the complexity of truck accidents is the severe and catastrophic nature of injuries. Although it is possible to sustain long-term disabilities in any motor vehicle accident, the chances are exceptionally high for truck accidents. This is primarily because trucks or big rigs are bigger and heavier than other vehicles.
A heavier truck would account for a more brutal force of impact, increasing the probability of sustaining severe or fatal injuries. TBI, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis are all common conditions survivors of a truck accident are likely to face.
Multiple Parties:
Due to their size, controlling a truck on the road can be especially hard. So it is not uncommon for truck drivers to lose control in cases of emergencies and ram into multiple vehicles. The involvement of several vehicles in the accident can make determining liability and responsibility a particularly complicated task.
Matters can get worse if the truck in question is a commercial vehicle operating on behalf of a big corporation. Since compensation depends on establishing negligence, the involvement of commercial trucks can bring into account factors like drivers’ fatigue and company policies for recovering damages. With several interests at stake, involved parties will likely struggle to reach an agreement and might have to go to trial.
Regulations And Policies:
Company policies and federal regulations are also crucial factors that can make truck accident claims incredibly complex. To begin with, there are several state regulations and federal laws in place that truck drivers and companies must follow. These mandatory norms can pose a problem in cases of interstate travel where each state may follow different regulations.
Additionally, it is mandatory for companies to carry out annual inspections, driver training, and maintenance for road safety. However, several commercial trucking companies outsource operations to independent contractors, making liability unclear and complicated. Corporations can use such factors and regulations to deflect responsibility, prolonging compensation.
Several Claims:
There could be several factors that cause a truck accident. However, it most commonly has to do something with improper vehicle maintenance or driver behavior. Depending on the cause of the accident and liable parties, one truck accident can lead to multiple claims.
For instance, suppose a truck accident caused by defective products results in the permanent disability of a victim. Such a case would include product liability and a long-term disability lawsuit. Further litigations and claims may arise if the contractor or trucking company is also held responsible for improper vehicle maintenance.
Getting Legal Assistance:
Considering the inherently complicated nature of trucking accidents, getting expert guidance is necessary to seek compensation. Get in touch with an experienced motor vehicle attorney familiar with local laws to help you navigate the process. In short, if you suffered injuries in the San Francisco Bay Area, get a San Francisco-based truck accident attorney for legal assistance.
Final Thoughts:
You never know what could happen when on the road. With road rage and car accidents rising at an alarming rate, it has become exceedingly important to stay alert and vigilant when driving. If you meet with an accident, seek immediate help to mitigate the damages.
This article was provided by Jenny Patel
