If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a truck, it helps to understand the intricacies that come with truck accident claims. These cases pose unique challenges compared to regular car accident claims due to several critical factors.
Having the necessary information and knowledge of what to expect with a truck accident claim and the potential complications can help you prepare adequately and ensure a smooth claims process. Below are some of the complexities that may come into play when pursuing compensation.
There may be multiple liable parties
Unlike ordinary car crashes, where the fault is mostly on the driver, a truck accident may involve several liable parties. They include:
- The trucking company
- Maintenance provider
- The truck driver
- The manufacturer of the truck or its components
- The loading company, among others
Identifying the potentially liable party is crucial to your truck accident claim but is not always straightforward. The circumstances that led to the crash will help determine who was negligent and to what extent they are liable for your damages.
Evidence collection and preservation can be challenging
Gathering evidence in truck accident cases to substantiate your claim can be challenging. For instance, you may need access to the truck’s electronic data recorders, log books or maintenance records which can be hard to obtain due to the vested interests of the parties involved.
You may encounter legal technicalities
The trucking industry is governed by federal laws and regulations to ensure road safety. These laws dictate hours of service, load limits, maintenance standards and more. Proving that a violation of these regulations led to or contributed to your accident may require extensive investigations and legal knowledge.
Protect your interests as a victim of a trucking accident
Truck accident claims are undoubtedly more complex than standard car accident cases. Therefore, it is in your best interests to seek experienced legal assistance to help safeguard your rights and financial interests. It can make a huge difference in your claim and increase the odds of a desirable settlement.
