Truck accidents are much more complicated than regular auto accidents. Multiple parties may be held responsible, multiple insurance companies may be involved, and there are many factors which can determine fault. Because trucks are commercial vehicles, there are many more laws, and types of laws, which apply to accidents involving trucks than simple auto accidents. With the complexity surounding trucking accidents, you may have questions you want answered.
There are many elements which must be considered when determining fault in a truck accident including:
- Trucking regulations
- Driver skill and training
- Consecutive hours of driving
- Internal company policies and expectations which may lead to unsafe practices
- Type of accident, such as underride accidents
- Overloaded truck
- Equipment malfunction
- Faulty brakes
- Faulty tires
- Intoxication
Trucking companies and their insurance companies will have their own dedicated attorneys, sometimes multiple teams of attorneys. Potential evidence in a truck accident is much more extensive than evidence collected in an auto accident. Truckers are required to keep logs, some trucking companies use advanced technology such as GPS to track and record things like speed, location and driving time, and there is information that can be obtained from weigh stations, places of loading and unloading, etc. Trucking companies will not volunteer the evidence needed to prove your case. Only an experienced truck accident attorney knows what evidence and information to look for, and where to find it.
Numerous state and federal laws apply in truck accidents. The trucking industry is heavily regulated. Many of the laws that apply to trucking are designed to keep protect motorists, including rules and regulations regarding:
- Consecutive driving hours
- Cargo weight limits
- Inspection schedules
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Driver training
- Hazardous materials
Some of the laws that apply to trucking are designed to prevent various types of illegal activity such as transporting illegal cargo. These laws can sometimes be applied in accident lawsuits as well.
Truck accidents usually involve multiple responsible parties. This can include:
- Driver
- Trucking company
- Contractor
- Owner
- Truck manufacturer
- Government entities
- Multiple insurance companies
Due to the complex nature of truck accidents, only experienced truck
accident lawyers have the knowledge to effectively pursue a truck accident
lawsuit. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident,
contact us and we will connect you with one of our experienced truck
accident lawyers today.
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