November 26, 2021
Trucking Accident – Navigating the Legal Process
While the thought of being involved in an accident can be unsettling, knowing what to do in the aftermath of a trucking accident is essential. As a driver, are you prepared to protect yourself and your family’s interests in the event of an accident with a big-rig truck? Today’s post will discuss what you should know to keep yourself safe from legal trouble and securing financial compensation.
How Big Rig Accidents Differ from Car Crashes
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large trucks are only responsible for about 3% of vehicular crashes, however, the consequences of these crashes are much more severe. Trucks can weigh twenty-five times more than the average passenger vehicle-- and when traveling at interstate speeds can be very hard to stop. When involved in an accident, a big-rig carrying cargo can cause exponentially more damage and traumatic injuries compared to a passenger vehicle.
What to do when Involved in a Trucking Accident
No matter how minor an accident may seem, drivers should always take the following actions when they are involved in a trucking accident:
The Work Your Attorney Will Do
In our blog post explaining the role an auto accident attorney plays in your case, we explained why you should plan to hire an auto accident attorney following any wreck. Proving liability in the aftermath of a trucking accident is often more complicated than it is after a typical car crash. Vehicular accidents involving trucks can entangle multiple different liable parties, from the truck driver, to the truck manufacturer, to the owner of the truck. Because of the amount of damage a trucking accident can cause, victims may find themselves facing unemployment due to injuries as well as exorbitant medical bills. Here are just a few ways an attorney can help you following an accident involving a commercial truck.
Establishing Fault
The first task that your attorney will address is establishing the negligence of the liable party, in this case, the truck driver or owner. Truck drivers are required to follow certain federal regulations in order to safely transport their cargo. When these regulations are violated, they are more likely to cause a trucking accident, and are therefore liable for any damages caused.
In addition, victims can sue the trucking company that employs the truck driver for their indirect responsibility in causing the crash. This may mean that a trucking accident occurred as a result of the company’s failure to properly supervise the truck driver or for their negligent hiring of an undertrained driver. Once your attorney has established that the truck driver or trucking company is at fault for the accident, they will then be able to pursue financial compensation on your behalf.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Now that fault has been established, your attorney will work to secure the maximum amount of financial compensation that you are owed by the liable party. Trucking companies maintain top-tier insurance policies and are skilled in downplaying the amount of financial compensation they are willing to pay out. Insurance companies often try to trick the victim of a crash into saying things that could lower the amount of compensation they are eligible to receive. Having an attorney will help you navigate the tricky legal protocols that stand between you and your payout. Because of the amount of expenses the victim of a trucking accident can face, receiving the maximum amount of financial compensation from the liable trucking company is absolutely essential. Hiring an attorney in the aftermath of an accident with a big-rig truck streamlines the process and ensures that you will receive all that you are owed.
Need an Attorney a Trucking Accident?
If you were in a crash with a big-rig and need the assistance of a trucking accident attorney, contact the Falcon Law Firm today at 504-341-1234. Our expert attorneys are prepared to defend your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you are owed. You may also contact us online or visit us at our office located at 5044 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, LA.