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Why truck accidents are so complex to settle

On Behalf of | Jun 4, 2019 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Virginia drivers who have been involved in a car accident know that the aftermath can be complicated and confusing. Unfortunately, the post-crash situation is usually even more complex for the victim of a commercial truck crash.

There are several reasons for this. For starters, trucks are larger and heavier, meaning they often cause more damage and injuries in the event of a collision. Cases involving extensive damage and injuries are always more complicated to sort out. Meanwhile, the ownership and liability of commercial trucks can be complex. While some truckers own their vehicles, others may drive a truck owned by a company or be involved in a lease-to-own contract. This can make it more difficult to determine liability after a crash.

After a truck crash, the truck driver, the trucking company and the insurance company may work hard to avoid paying a settlement. This could significantly prolong the process. In addition, truck drivers are subject to federal and state regulations, including strict hours-of-service rules, that don’t apply to the drivers of passenger vehicles. If a trucker has violated any of those regulations, proving it could take time and effort. Finally, many trucks have black boxes that record important crash data. After an accident, this data must be analyzed and cross-referenced with the crash scene investigation reports. This also takes time.

The victim of a motor vehicle accident should be sure to obtain a police report and contact their insurance company as soon as possible. In some cases, it might also be prudent to contact an attorney about filing a personal injury lawsuit. The attorney could review the details of the accident, gather evidence supporting a claim and file a lawsuit in court. A successful suit could help a victim obtain compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other crash-related damages.