Accidents are tough. However, the stakes are usually higher if they involve commercial trucks. Given the weight size of a commercial truck, accidents that involve this vehicle usually lead to devastating consequences. These consequences include severe physical injuries, substantial financial burdens, and emotional trauma.
For a victim and their families, this kind of accident is quite confusing and frustrating, particularly without a skilled attorney’s guidance and representation. If you sustained injuries in a truck accident, you must seek legal advice from a skilled truck accident attorney. A good attorney understands the laws that govern the trucking industry as well as has the resources and skills necessary for building a solid case. Accidents that involve commercial trucks come with unique risks and challenges.
Damages that Result from Truck Accidents
Usually, truck accidents are more catastrophic than regular vehicular accidents. Because of a truck’s massive weight and size, it can result in serious destruction. Truck accidents usually lead to the following:
- Catastrophic injuries. A truck accident may lead to serious physical harm that has long-term consequences like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and deaths. Usually, recovery is long and painful, involving extensive medical treatment.
- Psychological trauma. Truck accident victims usually sustain long-term emotional scars such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
- Property damage. A commercial truck’s force can crush down smaller vehicles. This can lead to substantial repair costs or total loss.
- Economic effects. Truck accident-related injuries can cause serious financial difficulties for victims and the people they love because of unexpected expenses such as medical bills and lost income.
Legal and Insurance Complexities
Pursuing financial recovery following a truck collision is harder because of legal and insurance complications to navigate. Usually, trucking companies have significant commercial liability policies. Insurance providers will pursue aggressive legal defenses because of the high financial stakes of severe injuries. In addition, establishing liability usually relies on proving violations of industry regulations like maintenance standards and hours-of-service laws. Because of these complexities, victims should hire a truck accident attorney to help them navigate the legal process.
Establishing Liability
Establishing liability for a truck accident involves investigating the crash. This allows an attorney to collect important evidence, get statements from witnesses, consult with experts, and examine truck records. Also, an attorney will identify all possible at-fault parties that can include the trucker, a trucking company, a cargo loader, and a parts manufacturer. To succeed in a claim, an attorney should establish that the negligence of the at-fault party caused the accident and the resulting damages.