If you or a loved one is injured by a semi-truck, you might assume that you need to follow the same steps that you would when the driver of a car hits you and file a claim against them. It’s important to realize that truck crash claims aren’t usually that simple.
Firs, you will probably need to seek a much larger amount of compensation. When a semi-truck hits you, you are unlikely to escape with just minor injuries. The sheer weight of these vehicles, especially when loaded, means they hit with much more force than a car. Many semi-truck crashes also result in the car going underneath the trailer, so the impact occurs close to the head height of those in the car.
People who get hit by semi-trucks often suffer life-changing injuries. They might need multiple, complex operations and prolonged therapy. They might never be able to return to work or go about their day without assistance. The total cost to them and their family can be huge.
Claims may be needed against more than one party
Covering these costs may require compensation from multiple parties, as the amount needed may exceed the policy limit of one party alone. Even when they don’t, insurance companies may try to avoid responsibility by blaming another party for the accident.
For example, the driver’s insurer may argue that you should be pursuing the insurer of the company that contracted the driver for scheduling them in a way that made getting adequate rest impossible. They, in turn, might argue that the real reason the truck crashed was that the loading team at the last pick-up did not secure the load correctly, so it came loose and caused the driver to lose control.
Dealing with one party can be difficult enough, but dealing with multiple ones, all trying to blame someone else, can be far worse. Having someone on your side who knows how to cut through their noise can be crucial to securing the compensation you deserve.