A crash between a large truck and a passenger car can result in devastating injuries, chiefly for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
If you are one of those occupants, you have the right to file a claim for compensation keeping in mind that more than one party may bear responsibility for your injuries.
How truck accidents happen
In 2018, the fatalities in large truck crashes increased by 31% over 2009, which had the lowest number since 1975 when the collection of fatal crash statistics began. There are various reasons for truck-car crashes including overloaded cargo, driver fatigue, braking issues and truck maintenance issues. A big rig is often 20 to 30 times heavier than a passenger car and it is common for the people in the smaller vehicle to sustain the most serious injuries or death.
The potential for liability
When a truck-car accident occurs, the parties that might be liable for your injuries could include the truck driver, the company that owns the truck, the company that maintains the vehicle and even the company that loaded the vehicle. Their insurance companies will begin immediate work to fight the claim they expect you to file and they will start by investigating the crash site.
Work in progress
An advocate working on your behalf will also launch an investigation to preserve any evidence that might exist. The medical report from your doctor that provides details about your injury and the recommended treatment plan will serve as an important accompaniment to your claim. With this, negotiations can commence, perhaps with multiple insurers, to see that you receive maximum compensation to cover your medical expenses, pain and suffering and more.
