Trucking Accidents and the Personal Injury Claim

Often, commercial truck accidents can prove even more catastrophic than a typical car accident for obvious reasons. Additionally, navigating a personal injury claim after such an accident can be quite complex.
Tractor-trailers and commercial delivery trucks are a common sight on American roads and highways. Although common, these heavy commercial vehicles pose significant risk to other motor vehicle operators. An accident involving a tractor-trailer involves a much higher potential for serious damage, injury, incapacitation, and death. These types of accidents may involve multiple vehicles, and a wide variety of complexity when the case comes to trial. It is important to understand that a commercial trucking accident is not similar to a standard accident involving two or more non-commercial vehicles. The impacts of this type of event can be devastating.

Trucking companies, bus-line operators, commercial freight operators and other types of heavy industrial transit are typically insured to cover the eventuality of a serious accident or injury. Fleet operations typically carry the amount of insurance and liability coverage required by state and federal law. Additionally, these vehicles and their operators are subject to governmental oversight in an attempt to ensure that equipment is safe, and that drivers are properly trained, qualified, and do not operate outside of state laws (such as minimum rest requirements for long-haul drivers). While the level of coverage provided by commercial trucking entities should be a comfort, there is a complex reality behind this type of coverage. Insurers are interested in maintaining certain levels of payout for accidents and injuries, and have a host of processes geared towards attaining this goal. Individual interface with the liability coverage provider is often not in the best interest of the victim.

Should you be involved in an accident with a freight vehicle or other commercial service vehicle, it is important to contact an attorney as quickly as possible. Unlike a standard car crash, you will need to petition for access to driving logs, certifications of vehicles and drivers, and the preservation of evidence which may otherwise be destroyed should you fail to act immediately. You will also need to gather evidence on the condition of the truck, the condition and logs of the driver, and can arrange for reconstruction of a scene and collection of evidence such as skid marks and damage in the area of the accident. Without the collection and preservation of evidence, you may not have sufficient information to file a successful claim for injury and damages.

Time is of the essence when dealing with a catastrophic accident. Quick action in the first stages of a commercial trucking accident can make a profound difference in the outcome of your case.