We often refer to vehicle collisions as “accidents” because we recognize that people rarely intend to hit us when we are driving. When truck accidents happen, though, there may be many other factors at work that make them much more complicated than other crashes. What is really going on behind truckers’ behaviors and the accidents that occur?
The cause behind the cause
Truck accidents can be caused by the same factors as any other accident. Maybe the driver was speeding, driving recklessly or driving while fatigued. Maybe alcohol was involved. Maybe a malfunction with the vehicle itself caused an accident.
The difference is that the reasons behind these factors can become very relevant to a personal injury claim. Trucking companies must follow certain regulations and standards. Truck drivers might be speeding or driving fatigued because they have high goals for delivery and not enough time for breaks. Some companies have poor hiring practices and do not perform adequate background checks. A failure to properly maintain trucks can also lead to issues.
Why does it matter?
If you were in an accident with a truck and are considering a personal injury claim, who is at fault? Usually, you would be filing against an insurance company but there could be many more parties involved in a truck accident.
The driver may hold fault or the company itself could be responsible. Many truckers are contracted so a separate company altogether could get involved. If the truck’s load was hazardous and caused harm, the company that owned the load is involved. Companies also have their own insurance providers for situations like this. As you can see, a claim can get very complex very quickly.
What does this mean for my claim?
Because of this complexity, you will want experienced attorneys helping you through the process. They have seen these cases many times before and know how to determine which parties are responsible. They can gather evidence for you, working for the full compensation you deserve based on your situation. Facing this situation on your own will likely end in confusion, frustration, and an unfair settlement.
If you or a loved one was in a truck accident, do not hesitate to seek legal advice. The other companies already have their own attorneys to protect them, so there is no need to continue on your own.
