Truck Accident Law and Personal Injury Claims
When a large commercial truck is at fault for an accident, the injured party has the option of pursuing a personal injury claim to cover expenses and provide compensation for loss of income, pain and suffering, and more.
Specific legal considerations apply to truck accident cases and can affect the potential outcome of any settlement or trial. It’s best to contact an attorney with experience with these types of cases to go over the details in your situation (feel free to contact us with any questions you may have). Read on to learn about this unique area of personal injury law.
Commercial Vehicles Must Follow Federal and State Trucking Regulations
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issue federal regulations that apply to all employers, employees, and commercial motor vehicles that transport property or passengers in interstate commerce. Additionally, each state has its own unique set of guidelines for how large trucks can operate safely within their borders.
If you or a family member has been injured by a tractor trailer, semi, rig or other large truck, it’s important to understand how these safety rules might apply to your case. If you are pursuing a lawsuit against the owner or operated of a commercial truck, you will want to investigate and determine whether any statute, regulation, or ordinance has been violated.
The Financial Stakes Are High
Compared with insurance requirements for standard automobiles, the minimum insurance requirements imposed on drivers and owners of large commercial trucks are significantly higher. Elevated policy limits mean the injured party stands to recover more money in the form of damages—financial compensation for mental and physical suffering and economic losses—in the event of a settlement or trial victory. An experienced truck accident attorney will be able to advise you on financial expectations for your specific situation.
There Are Often Multiple Defendants
In an accident involving a commercial truck, multiple parties may be named as defendants with potential liability. In fact, depending on the cause of the crash, the responsibility may be shared among the driver, the trucking company, and the truck manufacturer or parts manufacturers.
Viñas and DeLuca has experience representing clients who have been injured by commercial vehicles. If you or someone you love has been in an accident and is in need of representation, give us a call today.