If you have been injured in a traffic accident involving a large truck, you have many questions about filing a truck accident claim. Below are answers to the four most common truck accident questions.

Truck Accident Question Number One: What are the common causes of commercial truck accidents?

Commercial trucks are very large vehicles making them more difficult to maneuver. Big trucks also have special systems designed to operate such a large vehicle increasing the risk for something to go wrong. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents have to deal with driver error. However, there are other reasons that truck accidents occur.

Causes of truck accidents include:

  • Driver error – Examples of driver error include speeding, reckless driving, impaired driving, driving while texting, and drowsy driving.
  • Defective parts and mechanical error
  • Poor maintenance and errors when making repairs
  • Weather conditions and road conditions
  • Improper loading of cargo

The party liable for the damage in a truck accident depends on the cause of the truck accident. You could have multiple parties (i.e. the truck driver and the truck owner) liable for damages.

Truck Accident Question Number Two: Why are truck accident cases more complex than other types of motor vehicle accidents?

Traffic accidents involving commercial or large trucks are more complex compared to accidents involving commercial vehicles for several reasons. First, trucking companies and their insurance companies have teams of professionals that begin immediately after the accident to investigate the accident to determine the level of liability. Because truck accidents can result in millions of dollars in damages, the companies aggressively fight claims to reduce liability.

Because you may have several parties liable for the damages, it is important to perform a thorough investigation. You need to determine how the crash occurred to prove how each party was negligent and contributed to the cause of the accident.

In addition, you have federal regulations and laws that govern the trucking industry. These laws and regulations can play a significant role in an accident claim.

Truck Accident Question Number Three: What types of damages are involved in a truck accident claim?

A truck accident claim often has the same types of damages involved in a car accident claim; however, the compensation may be greater because the injuries tend to be more severe. The amount of compensation you can receive depends on several factors including the type of injuries, severity of injuries, length of recovery, and whether you suffer permanent disabilities.

A victim of a truck accident can receive compensation for his or her:

  • Medical bills, including future medical expenses
  • Lost wages, including future loss of income or loss of earning capacity
  • Physical pain, emotional stress, and mental anguish
  • Property damage
  • Disfigurement, permanent disabilities, and scarring

Truck Accident Question Number Four: Do I need a truck accident attorney?

It is important to get help from an experienced Louisville truck accident attorney when you are injured in a truck accident. Your attorney should be familiar with the trucking industry and the complex laws and regulations specific to the trucking industry. He should also understand how to conduct a comprehensive accident investigation including obtaining the black box information from the truck.

You need a truck accident lawyer to interview witnesses, identify responsible parties, and gather evidence to prove your claim. You also need an experienced truck accident attorney to protect you from aggressive insurance adjusters and trucking company’s representatives who will try to intimidate you and push you into a settlement that is lower than your claim is worth.

Call a Louisville Truck Accident Attorney for Answers to More of Your Truck Accident Questions

We understand that you may have more questions. If you want more information about filing a truck accident lawsuit or claim, call the Shelton Law Group at 1-888-761-7204 or use the online contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our Louisville truck accident lawyer.