Car accidents occur in this country at a frightening rate each and every day. In 2006, these accounted for 4,995 deaths and 106,000 injuries. The risk of being on roads with hazardous conditions and unsafe drivers is a reality you face every time you step into a vehicle. Accidents involving commercial trucks, however, are often far more dire and lethal than other types of incidents one can experience while driving. Not only are the injuries far more severe than accidents involving regular cars, but they also result in a much higher number of fatalities. Over the course of this blog, we’ll be examining some of the unique regulations that accompany commercial truck accidents and the impact they might have on your personal injury lawsuit.
Regulations
Drivers of semi-trucks are subject to a number of different state and federal regulations regarding the operation of their vehicles. There are many stipulations regarding the amount of weight a truck can transport, for example. If it can be proven that these regulations weren’t followed by the driver in question, this can be used to establish liability in your case. Another important regulation is the type of insurance required by drivers of commercial trucks. Because of the nature of the vehicle in question, they’re required to carry higher forms of insurance in comparison to regular cars, which means that you have a much better chance at receiving better compensation for your injuries.
Defendants
Unlike regular car accidents, incidents involving commercial trucks often involve more than one defendant depending on the circumstances. The negligence of the driver in question, whether due to lack of care, or extreme exhaustion, is still a factor, but manufacturers can also be brought into this type of personal injury lawsuit. For example, if the truck involved had a faulty part or unsafe tire and either of these things contributed to the accident, the manufacturer would be eligible to be sued in addition to the operator of the vehicle. In many cases, the driver and manufacturer both bear partial responsibility, which means the amount that each party owes in any potential settlement would be determined after a lengthy investigation and potentially a day in court.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Cases involving multiple defendants are very complex, which is why it’s important to at least consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer before moving forward with your case. Having an advocate who is willing to fight for your interests and secure the best settlement possible offers you the highest probability of receiving proper compensation in the wake of a terrible accident.