What Are Some Differences Between Trucking Accidents And Passenger Vehicle Accidents?
Getting into any type of vehicle accident is never good. An accident with a semi-truck can have catastrophic consequences. Getting into an accident with a passenger vehicle, such as a car, truck, or minivan can be dangerous, but an accident with a semi-truck can cause serious damage and can result in death. There are many ways in which an accident with a passenger vehicle is different than an accident with a semi-truck. Here are some examples:
There Are Major Differences in Size and Weight
In most cases, the damage done in an accident with a semi-truck is vastly worse than an accident with a passenger vehicle. This is largely due to the sheer differences in the weight and size of the vehicles involved. When a semi-truck gets into an accident, there can be many victims that suffer from traumatic injuries. There is also often damage to vehicles that cannot be repaired.
Insurances Are Handled Differently
Another important difference in accidents with semi-trucks is how the insurance is handled after the accident. Truck drivers must have a different type of insurance than regular drivers of passenger vehicles. Truck driver insurance policies are worth a lot of money and are often hard to get compensation from. Drivers of passenger vehicles often have to work closely with an attorney to get money for their damages when they have to fight a professional truck driver insurance policy.
Determining Liability Can Be Complicated
When it comes to determining which driver is liable for the accident, the process can be different than when you are in an accident with a regular vehicle. Seemingly in many trucking accidents, it would appear that the truck driver is the liable party. However, there could be many different parties liable. In many cases, truck drivers are not liable at all. Proving the liability in these accidents can be complicated because of all the factors involved.
For instance, if a passenger vehicle quickly veered into the truck driver's lane and caused the trucker to quickly have to brake, it can result in the truck driver getting into an accident with the cars behind them. However, upon investigation, it can be found that the liable party is the driver who veered into the truck driver's lane is liable. The investigation process to determine liability for these accidents can be a long and lengthy process. Ultimately, liability determinations will depend on the facts of the accident. Just keep in mind that the process may take a long time.
A truck accident lawyer can help you settle your case and get compensation.