Four Ways Truck Accident Lawsuits are Different from Car Crash Cases

Not all auto collisions are the same. Truck accidents can result in far more physical damage and injuries. Afterward, there are also many legal differences involved in truck accident lawsuits than there are in car accident claims. The process of obtaining compensation and justice after a truck accident is far more complex. Below, our Atlanta truck accident attorney outlines these differences, and why you should not go through the process alone.

Injuries After a Truck Accident are Far More Severe

One of the biggest differences between truck and car accidents is also one of the most obvious. Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than the average passenger car. In fact, fully loaded transport trucks can weigh over 20 times more than smaller vehicles on the road. When a transport trailer crashes into a smaller car, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic. They include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burns.

Due to the fact that injuries are much more severe after a truck accident, recovery times are much longer and medical bills are much higher. Accident victims often require a significant amount of compensation to fully cover their losses. Insurance companies are much more reluctant to pay fair damages and they will work harder to minimize settlement amounts.

Truck Accidents Involve Multiple Liable Parties

After a car crash, typically one or two drivers involved are at fault. However, truck accident lawsuits can involve multiple liable parties. These include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loading company
• Manufacturers of trucks or truck parts
• Third parties, such as inspection and maintenance companies

Different Laws Apply in Truck Accident Lawsuits

The traffic laws in Georgia govern car accident claims. Truck accident claims, however, typically involve federal trucking regulations outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For example, if a trucker violated the hours of service rule, this can prove liability in a truck accident lawsuit. The hours of service law is just one federal regulation many truck drivers and trucking companies must follow.

Many people are not aware of the federal regulations governing truck accident lawsuits. An Atlanta truck accident attorney can outline what they are and how they impact your case.

Truck Accident Lawsuits Require More Evidence

Car accident lawsuits can involve photographs of the scene, witness statements, and other types of evidence. Truck accident claims, though, may require other types of evidence. These include black box data, truck driver logs, maintenance records, and more. These are very difficult for individuals to collect on their own, particularly when they are recovering from serious injuries. An attorney will know how to collect the important evidence to prove your case and help you obtain full damages.

Our Truck Accident Attorney in Atlanta Can Help You Claim Damages

It is important to work with an attorney after any collision. After a crash involving a truck, though, it is critical to contact an Atlanta truck accident attorney. At The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC, our experienced attorney can advise you of the laws that govern your case and collect evidence to support your claim so you obtain the full settlement you are entitled to. Call us now at 404-476-2717 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.

Source:

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations