Have you been injured in a vehicle crash involving a delivery truck? Because of the volume of goods being transported by trucks today, more semis are out on the roads.
Because of a commercial truck's weight when loaded, an accident involving a truck does have the ability to cause life-altering and debilitating injuries, such as loss of limbs, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries. These crashes often result in death.
Determining Fault in a Truck Crash
Catastrophic injuries can often result from trucking accidents. Lives are often shattered because of a commercial truck crash. To get compensation for the losses you suffered in a crash, you have to show that the company is liable for the crash.
This can mean showing that the driver was at fault or the crash resulted from the trucking company's negligence. A few states do have laws allowing comparative negligence, which allows you to be compensated for your injuries. The damages you are awarded are reduced by your percentage of fault for the crash.
You should retain an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure your rights are protected. Your lawyer will conduct an in-depth investigation into the crash to prove that the trucking company or its driver was at fault.
After determining liability, your lawyer has the evidence needed to file a claim and prove liability for damages suffered. Truck crashes happen every day, so the possibility of being involved in a crash with a big truck is very real.
Examples of Causes of Negligence in a Commercial Truck Accident
- Fatigued driving - Driving too many hours or while drowsy.
- Violating traffic laws - Running stop signs or ignoring traffic lights.
- Speeding or reckless driving - Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for the road and weather conditions.
- Mechanical failure - Inadequate maintenance or faulty truck parts.
- Contents improperly loaded - Proper protocol wasn't followed during the loading process so the load shifted during transport causing a crash.
- Drunk Driving - Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
If the driver is guilty of any of these actions, you might be able to file a personal injury claim against the company. Consult with a personal injury attorney before proceeding with your claim.
Collisions Involving Semi Trucks
If you have suffered injuries in a crash with a truck, you probably have incurred multiple damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damages, and if negligence was involved, even punitive damages.
You cannot successfully resolve your claim with an insurance company on your own. To get the maximum compensation for your losses, you should consult with a personal injury attorney right away.
*The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Vitran Express, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
