Semi-trucks are everywhere. They appear in large numbers on highways and interstates and even travel on rural roads to supply small businesses. People driving smaller passenger vehicles often try to give semi-trucks as much space as possible.
Unfortunately, they have no control over the actions of a commercial driver. Those operating semi-trucks can sometimes make mistakes that lead to collisions. Issues with the vehicle or inclement weather can also contribute to crash risk.
After a crash with a semi-truck, the people in the smaller vehicle may need financial compensation. Between property damage losses and injuries, they may have extensive losses to cover. Although people may expect a straightforward compensation claims process, they may have more of a struggle ahead of them than they realize.
Why is it often difficult for people to pursue economic justice after a collision caused by a semi-truck?
Liability questions can arise
Obtaining compensation after a crash requires a clear understanding of who is at fault and who is legally or financially liable. There may be many parties with a degree of responsibility or liability for a semi-truck collision. For example, the commercial driver may be at fault for the crash because they picked up their phone while driving or fell asleep at the wheel. Other times, their employer might be to blame for improperly maintaining the vehicle or enforcing unsafe employment policies.
Third parties may have a degree of fault in scenarios involving defective vehicle components, maintenance performed by outside professionals or trailers loaded improperly by clients. Trying to establish who is liable can require an in-depth analysis of the crash.
Insurance companies may fight intensely
Despite all of the cutesy marketing, insurance companies are not known for being generous to those with large claims. The more the company stands to lose, the more aggressively it may fight. Semi-trucks usually require at least $750,000 of liability coverage.
The possibility of six-figure losses may mean that the insurance company is very aggressive about trying to deny the claim or settle it for far less than the claimant deserves. People who try to pursue compensation on their own behalf after a semi-truck crash can fall victim to aggressive negotiation tactics and may not receive the compensation they actually deserve.
This is where the importance of retaining a skilled attorney comes into play. An attorney with specific expertise in handling cases involving negligent truck drivers understands the intricacies of both trucking regulations and insurance practices. They can advocate on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Holding professionals and businesses accountable can be a difficult undertaking for those already dealing with injuries, major property damage losses or the death of a loved one. The sooner those affected by semi-truck collisions learn about their rights and get help, the better their chances of optimizing their economic recovery.