Truck accidents differ from standard-sized passenger car accidents in several ways. This article outlines the five primary differences between truck accidents and other types of motor vehicle accidents.
1. The Seriousness of Your Injuries:
Even when not loaded with freight, a commercial truck is substantially larger and heavier than other types of standard-sized passenger vehicles. As a result, injuries caused by commercial vehicle accidents are often more severe, often resulting in life-altering injuries or even death.
2. Complexity of Accident Investigation:
It's critical to gather evidence as soon as possible after any kind of auto collision, but it's crucial when large trucks are involved. If you or your truck accident attorney do not obtain the required evidence to support your case soon, it will most likely be lost or destroyed. Evidence that should be preserved after a truck accident includes:
- Photographs
- Trucking company files
- Trucking maintenance and inspection records
- Insurance information
- Device records
- Accident records
- Records relating to the truck driver
3. The Accident May Have Multiple Causes and Responsible Parties:
Due to the possibility of many parties sharing liability for your injuries, truck accidents frequently differ from other types of collisions. The following parties could ultimately be held accountable in a truck accident:
- The trucker
- The truck or trailer's owner
- The transportation business where the driver worked
- The people and/or businesses who loaded and secured the goods the vehicle was hauling at the time of the collision
- Freight shippers
- The manufacturer of the truck or its parts
- Various contractors
4. State and Federal Regulations:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking business. The FMCSA governs various commercial motor vehicle activities, such as hours of service. These rules are intended to maintain the safety of the roads. Additionally, individual states may establish their guidelines that trucking businesses must abide by.
5. Insurance Issues:
The state of New Jersey has no-fault insurance. This facilitates accident victims' ability to collect medical costs from their insurance providers, but it may also limit their rights to file a lawsuit. However, accidents involving commercial trucks do not fall under this no-fault insurance cap for vehicles. In other words, if you were injured in an accident caused by a commercial truck driver, you have a right to file suit to recover monetary compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident that involved a truck. It is imperative that you immediately consult with a truck accident lawyer in New Jersey who specifically handles these types of accidents.
