Truck accidents are usually much more catastrophic than standard personal-use vehicle accidents. Trucking accidents are more dangerous because a fully loaded dump truck or 18-wheeler semi-truck can weigh over 25 times the standard sedan or SUV. This great disparity in weight means that your car will fold like a deck of cards if it is hit by one of these monsters. This also does not include the added risk of the freight the truck may be carrying. If you are struck by a truck carrying explosive materials or caustic chemicals, then your injuries may be exacerbated.
A commercial truck covers everything from big rigs to inner city delivery trucks and everything in between. If you are ever in a truck accident, it is critical to find as many defendants as possible. Often times this will include the driver, the owner of the truck, contractors, employers and insurance companies. Trucking companies will attempt to limit their exposure by hiring all of their drivers as contractors or some other “semi-independent” role.
But just because trucking companies will make bringing a lawsuit as difficult as possible, you should not be discouraged from holding them liable if their negligence caused you harm. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney may help you ensure that all your rights are respected. A skilled attorney can sort through the competing claims, facts, documents and other issues to get to the core of your dispute.
Commercial truck litigation can get complicated very quickly, and, unfortunately, much of that complication is outside of your control. But just because the case might be hard or complex does not mean you don’t deserve compensation for your injuries.