Collisions involving large commercial vehicles are more likely to cause a death than any other type of collision, but this is not the only thing that sets these types of accidents apart. When suffering an injury as a result of a truck accident, it is important to know that filing a claim will be far more complex than a regular passenger vehicle accident claim. This is because there is a need to navigate federal trucking regulations and a myriad of insurance companies in a majority of trucking accident claims.
Personal Injury Claims for Large Commercial Vehicles Have a Few Key Differences
Following a collision with a big rig or other large commercial vehicle, there are several key aspects that make the types of claims different:
Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims Could Involve Several Liable Parties
Accidents between two regular passenger vehicles normally involve one at-fault party. When it comes to big rigs, however, it is likely that there may be multiple at-fault parties, all of which may have separate insurance companies.
Possible liable parties for large commercial vehicles can involve the following:
- The driver of the truck
- The freight brokers
- The parent trucking company
- The loading company
- The mechanic or service provider of the vehicle
- The manufacturing company of the truck or its parts
Although these parties may complicate a case, fighting against various insurers can also help victims obtain a fair settlement.
Trucking Companies and Truck Drivers Have to Abide By a Myriad of Regulations
Aside from having to abide by California traffic laws, truck drivers also need to follow various federal trucking rules and regulations. These set additional requirements with respect to the driver’s service hours, vehicle maintenance, as well as the health, wellness, and training of the driver. If a truck driver or parent truck company is found to be in violation of any of these rules, this can streamline the injury claim. It is worth noting, however, that identifying violations is not an easy process.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents Can Cause Serious, Lifelong Grievances
A large commercial vehicle can cause a devastating collision that can result in irreversible injuries such as a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury, and catastrophic burns. Following a serious injury, victims are often left with hefty medical bills, the loss of earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering. When seeking compensation following a trucking accident, it is also important to be cognizant of the potential for future expenses.
Contact the Legal Support of a Trusted Truck Accident Law Firm
If you have recently suffered an accident caused by a careless truck driver, it is critical for your case that you seek the legal support of a skilled personal injury law firm who has experience in handling trucking accidents.
The experienced attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation diligently and thoroughly investigate every possible negligent party involved in a truck accident case. The firm is highly regarded in cases involving catastrophic injuries and accidents; therefore, the attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation understand the nuances and complexities surrounding truck accident claims. Contact the firm today for a free case evaluation.
