A passenger vehicle is no match for a large commercial truck. When the two collide, the occupants of the automobile are often left with severe injuries. These injuries can result in lasting pain symptoms and complications that require lifelong medical care. The costs of ongoing medical treatment can be financially crippling to truck accident victims, especially if their injuries leave them unable to work.
Fortunately, injured parties can seek much-needed relief by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault truck driver. A personal injury claim allows accident victims to recover compensation for accident-related damages including their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Determining Fault in a Truck Accident
Aside from the traditional “rules of the road” that all drivers must follow when operating a vehicle, commercial truck drivers are required to meet additional standards when they get behind the wheel of a semi-truck, tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler. These rules, as set by the FMCSA, are meant to promote safety in an industry known for its catastrophic accidents.
Even with additional safety regulations in place, commercial truck accidents account for an overwhelming number of injury-causing traffic accidents each and every year. In 2014, the FMCSA reported more than 100,000 truck accidents that resulted in injuries. That same year, truck accidents caused nearly 11 deaths every day.
When a person is injured by a commercial truck, like those driven by TransForce Inc. drivers, fault must be proven in order to collect compensation in a personal injury claim. Common situations where a driver would be negligent in an accident include:
- Driving while fatigued
- Traveling too quickly for road conditions
- Inattentive driving
- Improperly secured cargo
Get Help after Being Involved in a Truck Accident
Delivery truck accidents can result in life-changing injuries, permanent disabilities, and significant financial burdens. Accident victims can seek relief by filing a personal injury lawsuit that allows them to recover compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses.
The laws and regulations that govern truck drivers are different than those that standard drivers must follow. This can make a personal injury claim after a truck accident that much more difficult for injured parties to navigate.
To help collect evidence, investigate the accident, and prove negligence, an experienced accident attorney should be consulted. His or her familiarity with federal safety standards and complex truck accident laws will ensure accident victims’ rights are protected as they recover the compensation they are entitled to under the law.
*The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against TransForce, Inc, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
