Commercial vehicle accidents are a common occurrence that can cause severe injuries and fatalities. In 2020, more than 4,000 people succumbed to large truck crashes. Commercial trucks also have a higher fatality rate than passenger cars. Commercial drivers have a higher risk of being involved in an accident. This is because they spend more time on the road and face increased risks from other drivers and poor road conditions.
If you’ve ever been in a commercial vehicle accident, you know how stressful it can be. Fortunately, when it comes to getting the most compensation, commercial vehicle accident lawyers can help. This article is intended to give you information on the average claim being made for a commercial vehicle accident.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents Claims
Commercial vehicles transport cargo and passengers, making them more vulnerable to accidents than cars. A commercial vehicle accident claim can involve an accident involving the driver, vehicle, and other vehicles. The complexity of the claims has come to light as the number of commercial vehicle accidents has increased. Many factors can increase your chances of having a commercial vehicle accident claim. Some of these factors include:
- Poor driving decisions
- Avoiding obstacles on the road
- Driving too fast for the conditions or road configuration
- Incorrectly parking or pulling into places where there is no room for your vehicle
- Using the wrong kind of equipment or tools while driving or working with heavy equipment
Accidents involving commercial vehicles differ from normal auto accidents. They are more complicated, and the process of filing a claim differs. Filing a claim can take time to manage. You need to know what you are doing, or you may need to take the necessary steps or make mistakes that will cost you money in the long run. This is why it is best to hire an experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer to help you through the process with little to no mistakes. Here are some vital facts about commercial vehicle accident claims:
There is a Short Period of Time to File a Claim for Personal Injury
The statute of limitations for certain types of damages and personal injuries is two years from the date of the accident. That means that if you’re injured in an accident, you have only two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, filing earlier than two years after the accident may be possible. If you need help, contact experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyers right away.
The Insurance Company Does Not Have Your Best Interests in Mind
If you are involved in a commercial vehicle accident, the insurance company will not be able to provide you with the best possible outcome. They are only interested in paying out as little as possible, and often they will settle with you for far less than what your injuries require.
When a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, the insurance company that owns it is likely to deny coverage. This means that you may be required to pay for any damages or injuries sustained by others if you are found at fault, even if your vehicle was not at fault.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents Can Involve Several Defendants
Commercial vehicle accidents can involve several defendants. These can include the driver of the commercial vehicle, the owner of the commercial vehicle, and any companies involved in the accident. The driver is typically responsible for driving safely on the roadway and obeying traffic laws. The manufacturer is responsible for making a safe product that does not malfunction.
If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident, it is important to know that other parties may have also been at fault. You may have been injured due to the negligence of another party not insured by your policy or any other liability insurance policy you have on your vehicle.
You Need Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Who Can Understand Your Case and Help You Win
You should speak with an attorney immediately after your commercial vehicle accident. Commercial vehicle accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and options, including whether filing a claim is right for you. It’s also important to find out what caused the accident and how long it will take for medical bills and lost wages to be covered under your insurance policy.
You must understand how much compensation your case will likely receive. Get to know what steps you must take to protect your rights as an accident victim. You must consult with commercial vehicle accident lawyers who understand the details of commercial vehicle accidents.
Your personal injury lawyer can help determine if you have a valid case against another party for causing or contributing to an accident. An experienced personal injury attorney understands how these insurance companies operate and how they set their limits on claims. This can help you determine what kind of compensation you may receive after filing a claim with them.
The Driver’s Insurance Limits May Limit Your Settlement
The other thing to know is that your claim differs from an injury. You have a commercial vehicle accident, but the driver’s insurance may limit your settlement. A commercial vehicle driver is usually required by law to carry insurance. The coverage you get from your policy may not be enough to pay for the damages caused by accident; thus, you may need more coverage.
Expenses Can Mount Up While You Wait for Your Settlement
The expenses pile up quickly when you’re injured in a commercial vehicle accident. You’ll need to pay for medical care and lost wages if you cannot work. And if the trucking company is at fault, you could also face legal fees. All these costs are added to any pain and suffering damages you might receive from a personal injury claim.
The Extent of the Injuries
The extent of your injuries is one of the most important factors in determining how much you will receive from a claim. The more injuries you have, the more likely you will be compensated. The extent of your injuries is the most important factor in determining whether you will be able to receive compensation for damages.
If you have suffered a severe injury, getting your medical bills covered by insurance for personal injury can be difficult and costly. You may also end up with a lifetime of physical pain and suffering that no amount of money can alleviate. Your insurance for personal injury lawyer can help you determine if the personal injury case has affected your ability to work or carry out daily activities since then.
Conclusion
If you have been involved in an accident with a large commercial vehicle, like a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, it is important to know how best to proceed. Because these vehicles can cause serious personal injuries, any accident involving them is very serious.
Victims of this type of accident may want to contact commercial vehicle accident lawyers to discuss their options. The truck driver or the company that owns the vehicle could be held liable for damages like medical expenses and lost wages. Gather documents and evidence, catalog your injuries and begin the claims process.