February 14, 2015
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, every year there are over 500,000 trucking accidents that occur in the United States. Compared to regular motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents are catastrophic. Because commercial trucks are so much larger than personal vehicles, accidents involving trucks often result in severe injuries and even deaths.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a commercial truck, find out what makes trucking accidents unique and how an attorney can assist you in your personal injury case.
What Is a Commercial Truck?
Commercial trucks, also know as “big rigs,” are vehicles used to transport commercial goods. While many only think of the big eighteen-wheelers we see on the highway, commercial trucks include delivery vehicles, freight trucks and tanker trucks. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, meaning they weight about 26 times as much as the standard sedan. Because of this, commercial truckers have an important duty of care to other drivers to drive responsibly.
What Makes Commercial Truck Personal Injury Cases Unique?
Cases involving commercial trucks have several distinct differences from accidents involving two personal vehicles. In regular car accidents, it is usually one or more drivers who are at fault for the accident. In trucking accidents, there are many people who may be found liable. For example, some of the people who may be found at fault include:
- The truck driver
- The owner of the truck
- The trucking company
- The company leasing the truck
- The owner of the trailer
- The company leasing the trailer
- The company shipping the cargo
- The loader of the cargo
- The truck’s manufacturer
Since trucks are used for commercial purposes, all of the people listed above have a duty to the public to ensure that their trucks are safe and their drivers are acting responsibly on the road. Any of these parties may owe the victims in a car accident damages.
When to Hire an Attorney
As soon as you or your loved one has received medical attention after a trucking accident, you should speak with an attorney. Medical bills, loss of wages and emotional damages can leave you in crippling debt. An attorney can help to prove that the truck driver or company was acting negligently and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Do not wait until the bills start piling up; contact the Khonsari Law Group and receive a free evaluation today.