Truck wrecks don’t only cause extensive property damage, but they can also lead to devastating and prolonged injuries. Unfortunately, receiving proper compensation after you’ve been injured by a truck can be difficult without the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. You may think the claims process for accidents is roughly the same no matter what vehicle’s involved, but here’s a look at how the process is more complicated with semi-tractor trailers and other big trucks.

What Are the Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck wreck cases are not the same as a car wreck.  While many truck and auto accidents stem from similar causes, some are common only to trucks. For instance, equipment issues like air brake failure and blown tires are to blame for a lot of road mishaps involving tractor trailers. When this happens, the trucking company may be found liable because they’re required by law to maintain their vehicles properly. Nevertheless, truck drivers may also share some of the blame because they’re supposed to perform pre-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy. Driver fatigue and driver error can also be major contributors to truck wrecks, so the guidance of an attorney who knows how to explore and prove these issues and violations of Federal Regulations is crucial. 

Why Are Trucking Companies Required To Carry More Insurance Liabilities?

Trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, while cars generally only weigh 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. It’s easy to imagine how wrecks involving trucks result in permanent impairments, critical injuries, and even death. Accordingly, the likelihood of catastrophic damage is greatly increased when a truck wreck occurs, trucks need to carry higher liability limits on their insurance—there’s more at stake with regards to compensation.

Additionally, truck drivers have insurance coverage limits that comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These insurance policy limits can be equivalent to millions of dollars, so don’t be surprised if a trucking company’s insurance provider plays hardball right from the start when you file for a claim without a an experienced truck wreck attorney by your side.

How Does a Lack of Licenses & Certifications Affect Liability?

Trucking companies and their drivers are obliged to follow rules that may complicate liability issues in an accident. It’s essential that every semi driver carry a commercial driver’s license in addition to completing specific training and qualification tests. If you’re the victim of a collision and the driver doesn’t possess the required licensing and certificates, you have the right to also file a claim against the trucking company which may also be found negligent in hiring and training their drivers. 

If you suffered injuries caused by a truck driver, you need an experienced attorney who regularly handles these types of cases and who will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. The Law Offices of Adrian L. Falgione LLC in Lexington, SC, can handle your case and offer you seasoned competent representation gained from 30 years of handling these types of cases. Mr. Falgione is a member of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, a professional organization dedicated to representing those who are injured by 18 wheel semi-tractor trailers and other big trucks and buses.  The firm also practices in areas involving personal injury, criminal law, probate law, civil litigation, and business law. Call (803) 957-6543 today to schedule your free consultation or learn more about their personal injury expertise online.