Why Truck Accident Lawsuits Are Complicated

If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. But seeking the recovery you deserve can be significantly more complicated than it would be after a car accident. Here’s why:

Unique Trucking Industry Regulations

Commercial drivers and motor carriers are subject to strict regulations that don’t apply to other motorists, such as:

• Drug and alcohol consumption and testing – Commercial operators are subject to lower legal limits for blood alcohol concentrations than most other drivers. Commercial truck drivers must also submit to occupational drug and alcohol testing in certain circumstances.
• Hours-of-service (HOS) limitations – Hours-of-service rules limit how long a truck driver can remain on duty or on the road in a given day or week.
• Recordkeeping requirements – Motor carriers must create and maintain detailed records regarding truck driver qualifications, drug and alcohol testing results, hiring records, truck maintenance, and HOS compliance.

Specialized Vehicles and Skill Sets

Trucks weigh 20 to 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle, which makes them much harder to operate and maintain. Truck drivers must make wider turns, slow down well in advance of stopping, and take special care on inclined roads.

Commercial trucks also undergo more wear and tear due to how frequently they hit the road, how big and heavy they are, and how many moving parts they have. As a result, they require more extensive and frequent maintenance than smaller vehicles.

Devastating crashes can occur when truck companies fail to maintain their vehicles properly. Accident victims can hold negligent parties accountable through a personal injury claim.

Extensive Injuries and Expensive Claims

Large trucks are often involved in catastrophic accidents, and the occupants of the other car, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists typically suffer the worst injuries. When these vulnerable road users are struck by massive commercial trucks, they can suffer severe and sometimes life-changing injuries.

Serious injuries can mean long recovery periods and expensive medical bills. When more money is at stake and more parties are involved, truck accident cases become more complex.

Multiple Liable Parties

In most car accident cases, the liable party is usually one of the drivers involved in the crash. But in a truck accident case, numerous parties may be to blame, including:

• Truck driver
• Truck owner
• Trucking company
• Cargo loading team
• Truck repair shop
• A shipping company
• A local government agency

A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can review the facts of your case and identify every liable party. You may need to file multiple claims against multiple insurance policies to receive full compensation.

Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

No matter how complex your truck accident case may be, the respected legal team at Swenson & Shelley can help. Our firm will conduct an independent investigation of the crash, handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf, and negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation for you.

We’ll take care of the legal legwork so you can take care of yourself. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer.