No two traffic collisions are alike. Those involving large commercial trucks are often the most complex for several reasons. Should you be involved in a truck crash, it's important that you understand what to expect.
There are far too many crash victims who aren't aware of their legal rights after being involved in a truck collision. Some people who have previously been involved in two-car crashes don't realize how complicated truck accidents can be. The Indiana truck accident attorneys at Boughter Sinak, LLC discuss the primary reasons why truck accidents are different than car accidents.
More insurance companies are often involved
Two-car crashes are complex enough when there are only two insurance companies involved. With truck accidents, there are major differences. Trucking companies typically have higher insurance premiums. In addition, the cab, trailer and cargo are often insured separately. Insurance companies don't like to lose money and will do everything they can to cut their own costs after a crash. Due to their sheer size and weight, large commercial trucks pose a major liability to insurance companies.
Truck crashes that involve multiple parties also result in cases involving multiple insurance companies. For example, if three car drivers were injured in a crash involving one large commercial truck, there would be three more insurance companies involved in that crash.
The damage is often greater in truck crashes
Another difference between truck and car accidents is that truck accidents are usually more catastrophic. Large commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. with a fully-loaded trailer. They are also capable of crushing smaller cars, causing major crashes involving multiple parties and cause traffic delays that last for several hours.
The injuries crash victims sustain are often much greater in truck accidents than they are in car accidents.
Trucking companies can launch their own investigations
Truck drivers and trucking companies are held to a high standard. Federal laws and regulations require trucking companies to properly maintain and inspect their vehicles. In addition, they are required to only hire qualified drivers with CDLs. Drivers are also required to work within strict hours-of-service limits and ensure that all hours and miles are logged electronically.
Trucking companies often have a lot to lose after a crash. In order to cover up any wrongdoing on their part, they will often launch their own investigations. They often use their own team of investigators and adjusters to yield biased results. They may also attempt to cover up records indicating that they weren't in compliance with federal or state laws.
Filing a claim against a trucking company & its insurer won't be easy
There are many challenges when pursuing a truck accident claim that can only be handled by an experienced truck accident attorney. Never attempt to handle your claim alone or speak to the insurance companies. Doing so can hurt your chances of getting the compensation you need.
Instead, let the attorneys at Boughter Sinak, LLC handle it for you. We serve clients in Fort Wayne and South Bend. Contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.