Truck accidents can cause an unexpected turn in the lives of victims when they may be least expecting it. A fully loaded tractor trailer truck weighs 25 times what the average passenger vehicle weighs which can mean serious injuries and even fatalities for victims struck by a semi-truck or other commercial truck. As a result, victims may face a variety of damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering damages or the loss of a loved one in a truck accident.
Large truck accidents accounted for 4,995 fatalities and 106,000 injuries in 2006 on the roadways in the United States. When a truck driver, or trucking company, has failed to exercise due are for the safety of others on the roadways, they may be liable to compensate victims for their damages. Truck drivers and truck companies can place the safety of others they share the roadways with at risk through various activities. Truck drivers may driver while fatigued, distracted or drunk. Truck companies may require drivers to drive longer hours than is legal or safe and place undue pressure on drivers.
Depending on the relationship between the truck driver involved in an accident and the trucking company, the trucking company may also be liable to compensate victims and their families for damages suffered in a truck accident. Truck drivers who have been negligent will generally be responsible to compensate victims for their damages but other responsible parties, such as a tractor trailer owner, may be involved as well. In addition, insurance companies are commonly involved in the process.
When involved in a truck accident, which oftentimes has tragic consequences, it is important for victims to understand how to establish liability of the negligent parties so that victims receive the compensation they need to cover the damages they have suffered. The personal injury and wrong death legal processes provide resources to help guide and protect victims and their families following a truck accident.
Source: Injury.findlaw.com, “Truck Accident Overview,” Accessed Nov. 22, 2016