Victims of truck accidents understand the physical, mental, and emotional toll an accident can take. On top of this, finances are likely to suffer, as medical treatment is costly. For this reason, filing a claim for your semi truck accident is often the best move to pursue the compensation you need.
After a crash involving a large truck, contact The Joel Bieber Firm. We’re ready to help you.
Filing a Claim for a Semi Truck Accident
When you’re involved in a collision with a large truck and suffer injuries and losses, you have the right to pursue compensation. How you go about seeking monetary recovery depends on your situation.
In most cases, you can start by filing an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance. So for example, if the trucking company is liable, you could file a claim to obtain compensation through their insurance.
If seeking damages through the insurance company is unsuccessful, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. Filing a suit commences the legal procedure involved with a lawsuit, including discovery and settlement negotiations. Your case can either settle outside of court or at trial.
While filing a claim for a semi truck accident might seem overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. A truck accident attorney has the right knowledge and skills to fight insurance companies, represent your best interests, and work toward obtaining the best possible outcome for your case.
What Makes Truck Collision Claims So Challenging?
Claims for crashes involving trucks often present more challenges than those involving smaller vehicles. This is because several factors make these cases unique and complicated, requiring the assistance of a truck accident lawyer.
Among the many details that contribute to the difficulties of a truck accident claim, the following are some of the most substantial.
The Trucking Industry Is Regulated by State and Federal Law
Unlike regular passenger vehicles, the trucking industry, including truck drivers and trucking companies, must adhere to strict guidelines. These laws are set forth on both the federal and state levels.
Regulations exist for many reasons, but partly in an attempt to keep truck drivers and others on the road safe. When a law is violated, it could contribute to the cause of the crash. Additionally, violating these regulations can result in serious consequences for the at-fault party, aside from civil liability.
Several Parties Can Share Liability
Liability can also be a substantial obstacle in semi truck accident claims. Many parties play roles in the trucking industry, from the driver and their employer to the manufacturer of the truck and the mechanic. This leaves room for anything to go awry, which could result in multiple parties sharing fault for a collision.
Figuring out who is at fault for a truck accident often requires a thorough investigation. When more than one party is liable, it means dealing with multiple individuals and insurance companies, which is a challenge in and of itself.
Truck Insurance Can Be Tricky
Insurance companies are known to be tough, but even more so when there is so much money on the line. Semi trucks are large and heavy, making them capable of causing extensive damage and injury. Therefore, large trucks require substantial insurance policies in case of accidents.
With so much money at stake, insurance companies regularly amp up their tactics to limit fault or even deny your claim. Truck accident lawyers must skillfully communicate and negotiate with the insurance companies in an effort to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents
Semi truck accidents happen frequently and for many reasons. Sometimes, there is even a combination of causes resulting in a collision.
Generally, some of the most common causes of tractor-trailer accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
- Lack of driver training and experience
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Brake failure
- Insufficient truck maintenance
- Defects in the truck or truck parts
It is imperative to find out what caused your truck collision. The investigation into the cause could include reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, or looking into the truck’s black box data.
Once you understand what caused your accident, you can move on to liability.
Determining Fault for a Large Truck Collision
As previously stated, multiple parties can share responsibility for a truck accident. To pursue justice and damages from the correct party or parties, it’s vital to determine who may be at fault for the crash.
Some of the parties that often play a part in a truck accident include:
- The truck driver
- The truck driver’s employer
- The trucking company
- The owner of the truck
- The owner of the cargo
- The party responsible for loading the cargo
- The party responsible for truck maintenance
- The manufacturer and/or retailer of the truck or truck parts
Every party that contributed to your accident is financially liable for your losses and harm. The amount of damages you’re eligible to receive from each party typically depends on their percentage of fault.
Potential Damages for Your Semi Truck Accident
Damages for a truck collision depend on your particular circumstances and the extent of your monetary and non-monetary losses. You could be eligible to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
A truck accident lawyer can help calculate the value of your damages and actively pursue the most favorable outcome for your collision claim.
After a Semi Truck Accident, Seek Legal Guidance
Suffering injuries in a truck accident is overwhelming on its own without having to stress about handling a collision claim. The lawyers at The Joel Bieber Firm want to give you the peace of mind you deserve and the aggressive representation you need.
As soon as possible after your semi truck crash, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney.
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