Truck accidents can be some of the most complicated kinds of roadway crashes — given the size and weight of the vehicles on the road, the level of damage they can create, and the vast network of regulations that govern the trucking industry. When trying to recover compensation for their injuries and damages, truck accident victims face a number of legal challenges. Indeed, awareness of these challenges and how to make them is essential to ensuring the surface-level resolution is equitable.
How The Story Could Have Been Different
Determining liability is usually one of the first hurdles to clear in any truck accident case. Unlike your average car accident where you typically only have one at-fault party — when you have a trucking accident, you have multiple parties and sources of negligence coming into play making it all the more complicated to figure out who must be held liable. These can include:
- The truck driver: If the accident was caused by reckless driving, fatigue or some other negligent behavior.
- The trucking company: For operating an unsafe operation, violating hours-of-service limits, through coercion or improper training.
- The cargo loader: If the cargo was not properly loaded or secured, which played a part in the accident.
Finding out who is liable is complex and may involve reviewing the truck’s black box data, its maintenance records, and driver logs. The additional layers of responsibility make the case more complicated.
Federal and State Regulations
The trucking industry is regulated by a laundry list of federal and state regulations to help keep our roads safe. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration focuses on driver hours, maintenance of trucks, and weight limits on cargo. These regulations may be discovered during accident investigations and can be a pivotal piece of proving negligence.
Knowing how these regulations are applied (it can vary depending on how the accident occurred requires expertise. Knowledge of the hours-of-service rules and whether the driver drove beyond the legal limit can for example play a critical role in the case’s outcome.
Legally Dirty Tricks Insurance Companies Use
One major hurdle is dealing with insurance companies. Trucking companies also usually maintain hefty insurance policies because accidents with their vehicles can be catastrophic. And though that may be good for victims, these insurers use ruthless methods to keep payouts down. Common strategies include:
- Blaming the victim or other people.
- Providing speedy, low-ball settlements before the full extent of damages is understood.
- Abusing delay tactics to pressure victims to settle for less.
Knowing the tactics that insurers use and how to counter them is crucial. Victims should not sign any agreements or provide recorded statements without consulting with legal counsel beforehand.
The Role of Evidence
To build a strong case you need plenty of evidence. This includes:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness accounts
- Images of the accident scene
- Records of medical treatment for injuries
- Apply expert testimony to piece the accident together
In truck accident cases, that vigilance is time-sensitive. Vital evidence, including electronic logging device information and surveillance video, may be deleted or overridden in the absence of timely preservation. Moving quickly to preserve evidence makes the victim’s case stronger and holds those responsible accountable.
The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer
Because truck accident cases are so complex, it is critical to get the services of expert legal counsel. An experienced attorney will guide victims through the legal process, protect their rights, and get victims the maximum compensation that they are entitled to. Such damages include, though are not limited to medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.
To assist, a truck driver injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies, filing lawsuits if required, and representing victims if a court appearance is needed. As they know trucking laws and regulations, they build interesting cases that hold responsible parties accountable.
Preparing for the Long Haul
These cases often take months or years to settle if they go to trial. Victims must also expect a long process and be patient before their lawyer arrives at the best result. Over this period, full access to legal counsel is paramount for staying across the facts and what is being done in response. Truck accidents pose unique legal obstacles and these can be overwhelming for victims. From establishing liability to negotiating regulatory maze and handling with insurance companies every phase needs attention and expertise. Therefore, education and working with an experienced truck driver injury lawyer are crucial to helping victims obtain justice and compensation to recover their lives.
