As safe a driver as we all strive to be on the roadways, the reality is that most of us have been in a car accident at some point in our lives. Perhaps you backed out of a parking spot too fast and clipped a parked car behind you. Maybe it wasn’t your fault at all; you were minding your own business when another driver ran a red light and sideswiped you on the way to work. These things happen, and more often than not, everyone involved simply exchanges insurance information and walks away unharmed. Unfortunately, not all collisions are as nip and tuck. That is especially true when you’re the victim of a truck accident with a semi-truck or 18-wheeler.
While both types of crashes occur on the same roads and involve vehicles in motion, truck accidents cannot be compared to the simplicity of an everyday fender bender—particularly when considering the damage, injuries, and legal complexities.
Factors That Instantly Make Truck Accidents Different
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The size and force of the accident
The average weight of a large, fully loaded semi-truck is roughly 80,000 pounds. Even if it’s unloaded, these mammoth vehicles can exceed the weight of a traditional car by roughly 30,000 pounds. As a result of this sheer size and weight difference, the force of the collision itself is unlike anything you will find in a wreck between a minivan and a Supra. Many times, there isn’t much left of the smaller vehicle.
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Catastrophic injuries
Whiplash, minor cuts, broken bones, and concussions are common in a common traffic accident. When a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or other large commercial truck is involved, those injuries are significantly magnified and could lead to a fatality. Even if you walk away from the accident, injuries can range from traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries to possible amputations and other injuries that you or a loved one will have to live with forever.
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Complex liability issues
Unlike traditional car accidents, truck accidents can involve more than just the truck driver and the hapless victim. Other key players include truck companies, cargo loaders, and manufacturers of vehicles or parts. This makes determining actual liability (who’s at fault) that much more important.
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Commercial trucks are heavily regulated
Federal and state regulations govern the truck industry. This includes but is not limited to hours-of-service rules, weight restrictions, regular maintenance, and mandatory safety inspections. Your attorney will investigate and, if necessary, litigate these cases to hold truck companies and their drivers accountable.
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Complex insurance negotiations
You may be used to dealing with insurance companies after a car wreck. You may have even taken it upon yourself to make the first phone call. That is the last thing you want to do when involved in a truck accident. Truck companies often carry large insurance policies to cover significant property damage, injuries, and the associated costs of truck accidents. But that doesn’t always mean they will be easy to work with. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, if necessary, your attorney should be the one handling these conversations.
This Is Where a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
When you see the list above, it becomes easy to understand how truck accidents differ from car accidents. A truck accident often leads to more significant injuries, lost wages, extensive medical bills, and higher compensation claims for the victims and their families. Navigating all this and more in the aftermath requires more than general knowledge.
Your truck accident attorney is your advocate during what will undoubtedly be a catastrophic time in your life. They can help you calculate medical costs, lost wages, and more. They are highly skilled at negotiating, researching federal law, and fighting for your rights in court. At Keys Law, we will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. We will also work with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to build a strong case that supports your compensation claim. You deserve compassionate and knowledgeable legal advice, and we are here to help.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!!
Large truck accidents can occur for various reasons, including fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, inadequate training, and drug and alcohol use. Sometimes, the trucking company can be liable for an accident if it fails to properly maintain or inspect the truck or violates federal or state regulations. At Keys Law Offices, we are dedicated to representing victims of truck accidents and their families, including those involving semi-trucks.
We understand the complex legal and regulatory issues involved in truck accident cases and know how to investigate and litigate these cases to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!