There are some profound differences between car and truck accidents, especially in the way they are litigated in court. Here are seven significant differences between wrecks involving passenger vehicles and those involving big rigs.
Higher Death Rates
Although large trucks are generally involved in fewer accidents than cars, the wrecks that do occur have a much higher chance of resulting in fatalities. According to official figures, large truck crashes were responsible for some 4,000 deaths in the United States in 2016 alone.
More Serious Injuries
In a high-speed collision, an automobile or light truck is no match for a vehicle that may weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. The occupants of smaller vehicles who survive such crashes will almost certainly suffer severe or even permanent injuries.
The injuries caused by truck accidents are often extensive and require future care. If you’re ever involved in a truck accident, the best thing you can do is to call a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Greater Financial Costs
Serious injuries can be costly to their victims. Extended hospital stays, extensive surgical procedures or long-term medical treatment can drain the resources of the victims, even those who have medical insurance. Additionally, a severe injury can prevent someone from working and result in a loss of income, aggravating his or her financial situation.
Increased Property Damage
A large truck may destroy or badly damage anything it runs into, whether it be another vehicle or fixed property. Combined with the increased medical expenses, property damage can significantly increase the cost of a truck accident.
Regulatory Measures
Big rig operations are governed by state and federal laws that cover issues like maintenance and driver qualifications. These issues can complicate legal action in the event of an accident. However, a truck accident lawyer already knows the laws that trucking employees should abide by. Your attorney will investigate your case to make sure that the truck company was following all regulations.
Insurance Coverage
Truck owners and operators will be expected to carry large insurance policies to cover anticipated damages in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, the insurance carrier may employ experts and use available legal techniques to reduce its liability.
Conducting Litigation
In attempting to obtain compensation, the victims of truck accidents may have to deal with some complicated issues. The complex nature of car accident law and insurance company policies are reason enough for them to seek the services of an experienced truck accident attorney.
If you were involved in a truck accident and experienced mental, physical, and financial consequences, contact a truck accident attorney in your area today. The expert attorneys at E. Orum Young have over 35 years of experience fighting for victims of truck accidents to help them receive the compensation they deserve. Contact our office at (318) 450-6453 for a free case evaluation today.
