Traffic accidents involving large trucks can often be much more serious than other kinds of car accidents. Around 333,000 large trucks in the U.S. were involved in crashes in 2012, causing many potential dangers to the smaller vehicles around them.
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident is never easy, but one of the first things you should do is find a professional attorney to help you understand your legal rights and options. Car accident law and trucking accident law can be very different, however — so it’s important to find a trucking accident lawyer with ample experience to take on your case.
Liability
In most car accident cases, the driver of the vehicle is held solely responsible for his or her actions. But when a commercial truck is involved, the company that hired the driver might also be held responsible. If a driver received insufficient training or if the company violated labor laws, the company itself could be implicated as at fault for the accident.
Evidence
There are many more factors at play in trucking accidents, such as the driver’s employment history, credentials, and past drug tests or performance records. A professional attorney familiar with trucking law will investigate any and all angles of the case to ensure that your interests are best represented.
Injury
It probably comes as no surprise that more serious injuries can commonly occur as a result of trucking accidents, such as traumatic brain injury or death. These might result in extensive medical needs or impair your ability to work. Having a professional attorney on your side can make the difference in getting you the compensation you need to move past your accident and live your life.
Large trucks, rigs, semis, tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles are an important part of our economy, but they also pose an intimidating threat to other drivers on the road. Driving safety is the number-one priority of many trucking companies, but accidents can still happen. If you’ve suffered from a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal help right away. The better you understand your options, the better you’ll be able to cope with your situation.
