What You Need to Know About Truck Accident Claims
August 22, 2018
Truck accidents can be traumatic, devastating experiences, particularly if there are serious or fatal injuries involved. Filing a truck accident claim as soon as possible will help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
However, many people are under the assumption that the process is just like filing a claim for a car accident. In fact, the process is much different, and it is important to understand some of the differences, because it can impact your claim as you move forward.
Factors that Make Truck Accident Claims Unique
The following provide a general overview of some of the reasons why truck accident claims are quite difference from car accident claims:
Severity of Injuries: Due to the massive size and weight of a large truck, victims tend to suffer devastating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and disfiguring burns. As a result, the person’s quality of life can be permanently compromised.
Even a large settlement cannot make up for the physical and emotional toll an accident like this can take on the victim and their family.
Special License Required: All truck drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and pass a special training test. If the truck driver does not meet these requirements, or does not have the CDL in his or her possession, the truck company may be held liable.
Trucking Industry Rules and Regulations: Unlike regular motorists, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow specific industry rules and regulations, including the following:
- Truck maintenance
- Commercial driver’s license
- Logbooks
- Hours of service requirements
- Requirements for loading cargo
- Annual inspections
Greater number of accident causes: Car accidents are usually caused by some type of human error, whereas truck accidents can be caused by a number of scenarios, including human error, equipment failure, poorly loaded cargo, and improperly maintained trucks. Depending on the exact cause, the truck driver or the truck company may be held liable.
Insurance policies: Trucks require significantly more coverage than a passenger vehicle, due to the amount of damage a large truck can cause if involved in an accident. Insurance carriers often try to avoid paying large sums of money to truck accident victims, using their team of lawyers to help avoid liability and place the blame on the injured party.
Further, they may offer a one-time payout to the victim before he or she has a chance to contact a lawyer. An experienced truck accident lawyer will recommend the best legal course of action, and make sure that the injured victims’ rights are protected at all times.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Truck Accidents
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We have a proven track record of reaching successful settlements with victims of truck accidents. Our experienced team has a thorough understanding of the trucking industry and the tactics they use to protect their interests. We will aggressively pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
