Truck Accident FAQS
When auto accidents occur, cooperation and coordination is important for all parties involved. Both drivers must exchange contact information, license plate numbers, drivers license numbers, and document all details of the accident. Similar to car accidents, truck accidents require cooperation of all parties involved. Because trucks are larger vehicles, and mostly belong to companies, various steps must be taken to ensure proper compensation to the appropriate parties. The following frequently asked questions will provide clarity, in the circumstance of truck accidents.
What is a “commercial truck”?
A commercial truck is a truck used in the course of businesses, and/or for the transport of commercial goods. Some variations of commercial trucks include eighteen-wheeler tractor trailers, delivery vehicles, large freight trucks, or tanker truckers. In comparison to standard pickup trucks, commercial trucks are larger, serve a specific purpose, and require a specific commercial driver’s license to operate.
Why is an accident with a passenger car less likely to occur than an accident with a truck?
A fully-loaded, typical large truck can weigh over 80,000 pounds. In comparison, a typical passenger vehicle weighs 3,000 pounds. Based off of this massive weight difference, collisions between commercial trucks and a smaller passenger automobile is likely to result in more severe, sometimes fatal, injuries.
What are common variables in accidents between automobiles and commercial trucks?
Commercial truck accidents are typically a result of various factors, including truck characteristics and driver performance. Variables of driver performance includes braking, visibility, and acceleration limitations. In addition to truck characteristics and driver performance, massive trucks are known to have bigger blind spots, compared to passenger vehicles. Due to the larger blind spots, truck drivers may be unable to respond to different dangers that are out of sight.
Can I sue a driver’s trucking company for my injuries?
The answer to this question is dependent on whether there is an established relationship between the trucking company and the truck driver. If this relationship has been established, the company may be held liable for the driver’s mistakes. A problem may occur when establishing a company’s liability if the truck driver is an independent contractor.
Can I win the lawsuit if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
The answer to this question is dependent on the amount of your fault. The level of another driver’s liability for the truck accident depends on his or her carelessness with your own. The other driver’s amount of liability regulates how much of the resulting damages he or she is required to pay.
Truck accidents are unfortunate circumstances, and often leave larger damages and injuries due to the massive size of trucks. In the unfortunate circumstance that you become involved in a truck accident, call the police and seek medical attention immediately. The previous questions are some of the frequently asked questions drivers ask when they experience a truck incident. If you have further questions, or become involved in a truck accident, reach out to a personal injury attorney to explore the compensation you may be entitled to.
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