How Are Semi-Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
Semi-truck accidents are becoming more and more common on United States highways. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there has been an increase in fatal crashes involving large trucks. This is a serious problem for truckers who may be responsible for their accidents. It can also be a problem for the drivers of motor vehicles involved in accidents with them.
Tractor trailers are much larger than cars, which makes them more challenging to maneuver, control, and stop in an emergency. Semi-truck accidents often result in serious injuries or death due to the vehicle’s size, the collision’s speed, and the weight of the cargo they carry.
If you have been in a collision with a semi-truck, you may be entitled to compensation. Reputable truck driver accident lawyers from Hurt Trucker can provide additional information and advice.
Why Are Truck Accidents Worse Than Car Accidents?
Truck accidents are typically considered more deadly than car accidents. This occurs for many reasons. Trucks often carry loads that can cause significantly more damage to the driver, passenger, and other vehicles in a collision.
Larger and heavier commercial trucks cause a more significant impact when they collide with a smaller passenger car. Plus, they sometimes haul flammable or otherwise dangerous materials that can further exacerbate an accident in which they are involved.
Overworked and tired drivers often operate tractor-trailers, but they may not be the only ones at fault in an over-the-road trucking accident. When facing the aftermath of a car wreck with a semi, you may benefit from retaining the services of an attorney from a reputable law firm.
The professionals at Hurt Trucker have the knowledge and experience to help with your case. They can also provide additional resources about how to prevent trucking injuries.
What Are the Potential Results of a Semi-Truck Accident?
Semi-truck accidents can be devastating. In an accident, a semi-truck may cause significant damage to the vehicle or property of others on the road.
The damages from a semi-truck accident can vary depending on the severity and location of the collision. For example, if a semi-truck is only hauling dry goods, there is likely no environmental damage. Still, if it carries hazardous materials, there could be spills and other consequences.
A normal car accident can have physical and financial consequences on those involved. A passenger vehicle that collides with a commercial truck can sustain significant damage. Their drivers could sustain severe injuries resulting in expensive medical bills and an inability to work. Lost wages make it difficult to pay for those medical bills. Additionally, negotiations with the insurance company could stall reimbursements.
What Are the Potential Personal Damages of a Tractor Trailer Accident?
Damage to your vehicle can be substantial when you are in a wreck with a big rig. In addition to the damage to your vehicle, you may also suffer from personal injuries that make resuming work difficult. When motor vehicle accidents involve a large vehicle, such as a semi-truck, injuries may include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Internal injuries
- Head and spinal injuries
Emotional trauma can also occur as a result of a tractor-trailer accident. This can include symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and difficulty coping with the aftermath of the accident.
Attorneys from Hurt Trucker offer a variety of resources, including truck driver personal injury quick tips and other support. They can help you plan your strategy and represent you if you take your truck accident claim to court.
Who Is at Fault in a Semi-Truck Accident?
Many people wonder who is financially liable in truck accident cases. There are many situations where the truck driver does not own the rig they are operating. Therefore, the answer to this question can be complicated and depends on the circumstances of the accident.
To find out who is at fault in a semi-truck accident, one must first understand what constitutes negligence and how it relates to tort claims. Negligence occurs when someone does not take care of something as they should have or when someone fails to act in a way that would have prevented an accident.
Who Are the Liable Parties in a Truck Accident?
Determining whose negligence contributed to the wreck in truck accidents is part of assigning legal, and thereby financial, liability.
With commercial trucks, the list of responsible parties in an accident can include the following:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking company
- Truck manufacturer
Commercial trucking accidents are often the result of negligence or poor driving. In some cases, the truck driver is at fault, while in other cases, the driver of a car, pedestrian, or cyclist may be found to be at fault. In other situations, negligent maintenance by the trucking company may be at fault, or there may have been flaws in the original design, production, or installation of one of the truck’s parts.
Trucking companies and truck manufacturers often retain expensive lawyers to protect businesses against frivolous car accident cases. Sometimes, legitimate claims get rejected as well. Having a skilled lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
Hurt Trucker Attorneys may be able to help negotiate your truck accident claim with the trucking company’s insurance carrier. They have knowledge and experience representing accident victims in the trucking industry.
How Can an Attorney Help After a Truck Accident?
When accidents happen with large vehicles, such as semis, it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer, such as one from Hurt Trucker. Professional attorneys for injured truckers will help ensure that the victim is compensated for damages.
The right legal advisor can steer their clients to additional resources and advocate for your case. The attorney will also ensure that the victim’s rights are protected and that they are not taken advantage of by insurance companies or other third parties.
The attorneys will work with their clients to determine a possible compensation reward. They can also help with negotiations to ensure that their client is adequately compensated. For questions about trucking accidents, talk to an attorney at Hurt Trucker.