Commercial truck accidents are more serious and costly than other car accidents. Because commercial trucks are much larger, they can cause greater damage to the vehicles and people involved in an accident.
This can lead to long-term physical injuries that require extensive medical treatment, which leads to expensive hospital bills. The costs associated with commercial truck accident settlements have the potential for higher payouts than what is typical for car accidents.
Common Reasons For Commercial Vehicle Accidents:
1. Impaired Driving
When a commercial truck driver drives under substance use or fatigue, the possibility of an accident occurring is high. An accident caused by an impaired driver could damage the vehicles and even result in passengers’ deaths.
2. Speed
Speeding is the most common cause of a commercial truck accident and can lead to severe injury or death for both the driver and passengers in the accident. It becomes hard to control commercial vehicles’ speed, especially in emergencies like taking corners.
3. Poor Loading
Regarding commercial vehicles, loading guidelines are typically followed by the company. If a commercial truck is overloaded or there are items not properly secured inside, this can cause a lot of problems on the road. The items can fall on other vehicles or cause the truck to overturn.
4. Manufacturer Error
A commercial truck has to meet specific demands before use. There could be severe injuries when a poorly engineered truck part causes an accident. The manufacturer may be held accountable for this. If the truck was made in a way that would result in a greater likelihood of an accident, the manufacturer might be liable.
5. Company Policies
It is not just the driver that can contribute to a commercial truck accident. Organizational policies such as cost-cutting and poor training of drivers can also lead to road accidents. A bad safety policy by the company can contribute to accidents.
Factors That Determine Commercial Truck Accident Settlements
1. Liability Coverage
Liability is the amount of blame that is placed on a person or entity for causing an accident. Establishing liability is the first step that leads to an accident settlement.
2. Economic Damages
Often, the amount of money a commercial truck accident settlement will have to pay will be determined by the number of damages caused. Economic damages involve tangible monetary value lost or damaged during the accident. They include property damage, wages, and medical bills.
3. Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages may be difficult to determine. These damages include pain and suffering, mental and physical impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of earnings, and loss of consortium. It is common for injury victims to sue over noneconomic damages, which the court awards as part of the truck accident settlement.
4. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded when the defendant has wrongfully treated the plaintiff. If a company was found to be negligent or responsible for an accident, then it may be able to be sued for punitive damages. If someone was speeding and causing an accident that injured many people, the company might be liable for punitive damages.
5. Evidence
Evidence such as police reports, medical records, and eyewitness accounts are essential in commercial truck accident settlements. If a commercial vehicle was involved in an accident, those involved must be held accountable for their actions. Without evidence from these sources, it would be hard to prove the percentage of fault in a case like this.
6. The Extent of Your Damages and Their Effects
The extent of your injuries will be considered when determining the amount of a commercial truck accident settlement. Economic damages and noneconomic damages will also be crucial.
The amount of money you have lost or property damage due to an accident should be considered, your ability to work in the future, and any pain you are experiencing.
What To Do After A Commercial Truck Accident
It would help if you had a professional lawyer to handle your commercial truck accident case. It can be challenging to deal with the case by yourself. A personal injury attorney will help with truck accident litigation and ensure you are fully compensated. There is a higher chance of a successful claim when you use a lawyer.
Conclusion
You may not know where to start after experiencing a severe commercial truck accident. It is essential to take care of your injuries and contact the mvp accident attorneys. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to represent you in a court of law and work toward a fair settlement for your case.
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