Ways that Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents
Not all traffic accidents are the same. Those involving trucks differ in a number of ways from those involving cars, especially in the level of destruction and severity of injuries they can potentially cause, given their size and weight. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), motor vehicle accidents that involve large commercial trucks account for about 287,000 property damage claims, 77,000 injuries, and 4,321 deaths over the span of a year. In addition to the damage and catastrophic injuries they cause, truck accidents are different from a legal standpoint as well.
Seeking Compensation in Truck Accident Cases
Settling a dispute in an automobile accident is generally more straightforward than trucking accident cases. There are more probable causes involved and often more than one party can be held liable, including the truck driver's employer. It is also possible for equipment failure to be the cause of a trucking accident, though this will not relinquish the driver of liability since it is his or her responsibility to conduct pre-trip inspections to make sure all equipment is functioning properly.
Like car accidents, an individual who sustained injuries in an accident involving a truck that was not his or her fault has the right to pursue compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation costs, domestic services, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, and other losses or costs associated with the accident. Injured victims can also pursue non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, inconvenience, emotional suffering, and loss of consortium or diminishment of relations with a spouse.
Truck Accident Injuries
A semi-truck that is fully loaded can weigh in excess of 80,000 pounds, whereas the average car weighs about 3,000 pounds. As such, collisions between these two are usually disastrous, causing serious injuries, which is why truckers are required to carry higher liability limits since victims require more compensation for expensive medical costs and lengthier rehabilitation periods.
Special Trucker licenses
State and federal regulations govern commercial trucking, which means the truck driver involved probably underwent specialized education, training, and learned specific instructions regarding the type of loads he or she transports. Why is it important to know this? If an accident occurs and it comes to light that the driver lacked the proper qualifications, you might be able to hold the trucking company liable for negligence in the hiring and training of its drivers.
Hire an Attorney
Trucking accident cases have a tendency to be quite complex. They require extensive investigations, evaluation of the facts, and proper filing of documents. Hiring a truck accident attorney is usually recommended for victims to increase their chances at compensation, which will help pay for expenses incurred as a result of the accident. The trucker and trucking company will have aggressive insurance companies and lawyers representing their interests and trying to deprive you of the compensation you deserve, which is why it is important for you to have a legal advocate on your side to level out the playing field.
Truck Accident Lawyers in Rhode Island
Truck accidents are a traumatic experience and rarely leave victims unscathed. Your immediate reaction might not be to seek legal counsel, but this is a step you should not neglect to take. The damages and injuries caused by such accidents should not be postponed, and it is crucial you start building up your case immediately to increase your chances at compensation.
At Inman & Tourgee, our Rhode Island truck accident attorneys will listen to your side of the situation and provide the compassionate support you need during this difficult time. When our law firm takes on a case, we seek to relieve you of as much of the burden as possible, so you can focus your energy on recovering both emotionally and physically. Many parties might be liable in these cases, but each party will attempt to downplay responsibility as much as possible, denying you of the justice you deserve. An experienced Rhode Island truck accident attorney will be able to protect your rights and hold all responsible parties liable for the pain they have caused you. With over 125 years of combined legal experience and $35 million in recovered damages since 1990, Inman & Tourgee is prepared to take on the big trucking companies on your behalf. Call us today at (401) 622-0092 to set up a meeting with one of our skilled personal injury attorneys in Rhode Island. You should not have to go through this alone.
