Being injured after a collision with a truck can lead to a very different scenario than being involved in a car accident. Not only can truck collisions pose a higher risk to life, but they can also lead to intense legal battles between the plaintiff and the trucking company.
It is important to acknowledge the differences between truck accidents and car accidents if you or a loved one has been affected by a truck collision. Doing so will help you to be more prepared to face a legal battle.
The damages suffered
Trucks have a greater force than the average vehicle, due to their size and weight. This means that, generally speaking, truck accidents lead to more serious injuries than car accidents. The injuries suffered could lead to intensive hospital care and huge medical bills. The injured person may suffer a long-term disability and lost wages. Successfully claiming the damages that you deserve becomes even more crucial for your long-term financial well-being.
The legal battle
In the majority of car accidents, an injured party will take action to reach a settlement with another private party. However, in the majority of cases involving truck accidents, the injured party will need to take action against a trucking company. The company will likely have the resources to aggressively fight the claim.
The possible defenses
The trucking industry is a highly regulated one. Truck drivers need to be trained and are held to higher safety standards than car drivers. This means that it can sometimes be challenging to prove that the truck driver was negligent and liable for the accident.
On the other hand, trucks are usually equipped with cameras and a “black box” that records data such as the traveling speed of the truck. You may be able to use this information to your advantage, especially if the truck driver was speeding or engaging in distracted driving at the time of the collision.
If you are successful in making a claim against a trucking company, you should be able to have all financial damages relating to the accident covered. You should also be entitled to punitive damages that compensate you for the pain and suffering caused.