An accident involving a truck can leave you with serious injuries or worse. A truck’s size and weight are significant factors in the severity of such crashes, and in most cases, pedestrians and smaller vehicle occupants bear the brunt of the damage.
While you may be entitled to damages for an accident caused by negligence, it is important to familiarize yourself with trucking accident claims. They are unlike any other, and you may have to address some issues not present in ordinary car accident claims.
There may be multiple liable parties
In a typical car accident claim, the buck stops with the other driver. However, it is not the case with an accident involving a truck. While the truck driver may bear responsibility, their trucking company, car parts manufacturers or independent contractors may also be liable, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Some special rules apply
Due to the risk posed by careless or inattentive truck drivers, there are some rules that apply to them and not to other private vehicle drivers. Such regulations include the number of hours drivers are supposed to be on the road before taking a break and lower legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits. Truckers are considered too impaired to drive with a BAC of 0.04% compared to 0.08% for other drivers.
Violating these rules by the driver or trucking company can point to negligence, which is a crucial aspect of any accident claim.
Get help with your claim
A lot goes into truck accident claims, from valuing your claim to establishing where liability falls. It can get overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with how the process works. As such, it may be in your best interests to seek appropriate help when dealing with your claim to safeguard your rights and improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.