Most people don’t expect to be involved in a truck accident. So, when they happen, it can lead to many unanswered questions in the days and weeks following the accident.
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be wondering:
- How will I pay for medical costs?
- Who is responsible for my accident?
- What options do I have to recover compensation?
The answers to these questions depend on the steps you take after being involved in a truck accident.
One of the most effective ways to recover compensation to help pay for accident-related expenses is filing a personal injury claim.
Depending on the facts of your accident, you could file a claim against the truck driver, the truck company and, in some cases, the owner of the freight being hauled.
A personal injury attorney can advise you on who may be responsible for your accident and resulting injuries.
He or she can protect your rights after a truck accident and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
How to Determine Fault in an Accident
The determination of fault is extremely important in a personal injury case. To prove fault, you have to show that the truck driver or its employer’s negligence caused your accident.
Proving negligence comes down to three elements:
- The truck driver or the trucking company owed you a “duty of care” to use caution in order to prevent an accident
- The truck driver or trucking company did not use caution and, as a result, an accident happened
- You were injured in the accident.
For example, if a truck driver ran a stop sign and hit another vehicle, he or she could be found negligent for any injuries caused as a result.
Driver error, like running stop signs and failing to yield the right of way, are common causes of truck accidents.
However, the most frequent circumstances that lead to truck accidents include:
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Going too fast, especially under poor conditions like rain and snow
- Inattentive driving or distracted driving
As the injured party, you are responsible for proving who was negligent in your accident. The assistance of a personal injury attorney is often helpful in collecting the evidence you’ll need, like police reports and witness statements, to support your case.
Since they specialize in hauling chemicals and fuels, even minor accidents at low speeds can turn into fiery collisions.
Have You Been Struck by a Truck?
Commercial truck drivers must follow special safety standards in addition to the regular “rules of the road.” These federal regulations help to keep all drivers and their passengers safe as commercial trucks and passenger vehicles travel the same roadways.
If you find yourself involved in a truck accident with a driver, a personal injury attorney is your go-to help you navigate the complex claims process.
With the assistance of a personal injury attorney, he or she can prove negligence in your accident and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
*The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Kenan Advantage Group, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
