Not all accidents are created equal. For individuals involved in a crash, it may not be immediately apparent, but there are some serious differences between an accident involving two cars and a wreck with a commercial truck. Below are the important key differences you need to know about if you plan on pursuing a personal injury claim.
In general, commercial truck accidents tend to be more legally complex than passenger vehicle collisions However, these are the key differences between commercial truck accidents and car accidents:
- Liability: Commercial truck accidents may involve a number of liable parties, not just the driver. That includes the truck owner, third-party maintenance company, truck leasing company, freight loading company, vehicle and part manufacturers and even government agencies.
- Injuries: The legal weight limit for trucks is 80,000 lbs., which is the equivalent of almost 40 cars. As a result of their tremendous size, injuries are much more likely to be extensive and catastrophic in a truck accident, which means that compensation may be much higher than your regular car crash.
- Regulations: FMCSA regulations prohibit drivers from working too long and companies from improperly loading cargo onto commercial trucks. If any of these regulations are broken, it may change the dynamic of a personal injury claim.
- Insurance Coverage: Liability for commercial trucks is much higher than insurance for passenger vehicles.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in an accident, contact our Omaha truck accident attorneys at Burnett Legal Group. Many truck accidents are caused by negligence—whether it’s a sleepy driver, defective vehicle parts, or an inadequately maintained truck. With the help of an attorney, you can understand your legal options and determine who is liable for your accident. If your personal injury claim is successful, you may receive compensation for vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Call (402) 810-8611 or contact us online today.