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Why Commercial Truck Accidents Are Different

by Richard J. Banta | Jul 12, 2022 | Uncategorized

Truck Accident Lawyer

Thousands of people die from truck accidents each year across the nation, and numerous more suffer from critical injuries that require emergency care. If you have never been in a truck accident, then you may not know how bad they can be. Truck collisions are different from other accidents in that they tend to result in more bodily injury and property damage. As a truck accident lawyer victims rely on MartinWren, P.C. may share, consider the fact that most commercial trucks weigh around fifty thousand to eighty thousands pounds. And your average passenger vehicle is only a few thousand pounds. This vast discrepancy means that more weight is being forced upon the passenger vehicle, and its occupants.  

What should I do before leaving the scene?

Just as commercial trucks can do more damage to a smaller vehicle, they can lead to more severe injury too. The more serious your injuries are, the more important it is that you take certain steps so that your best interests are protected. Before leaving the scene, you’ll need to gather evidence that supports your injury claims and who was at fault. Take pictures and video of damage to both vehicles, your visible injuries, and anything else that seems relevant to capture in the moment. Get the truck driver’s name, contact, trucking company name, insurance details, driver’s license number, and the commercial truck vehicle descriptions. 

Do I have to call the police for a truck accident?

Always call the police if you are in a truck accident. In some areas, an officer will not be sent out to an accident if there are no injuries. But the truth of the matter is, it’s very unlikely that a truck accident victim is not going to sustain any type of physical injury. Call 911, receive medical attention when the ambulance arrives, tell the officer your side of the story so it’s included in his report, and then notify your insurance company. In the days after, you will be contacted by an insurance adjuster. This person may perhaps seem quite friendly and concerned about your health, when in reality, they are hoping that you’ll make certain statements so that they can reduce or deny your claim. All too often, victims who deserve much more accept lowball insurance settlements because they don’t realize they can negotiate for more.

Do I need a lawyer during this time?

Not everyone considers the option of hiring a lawyer to help them with an accident, but it’s advised that they do so. Due to the nature of truck accidents, there are many parties that could have been at fault. A lawyer can investigate the accident further, protect victims from ill-intentioned insurance representatives, advocate for a fair amount of compensation, and handle other tasks. Keep in mind that even if you were not at-fault, the other parties involved who are may still try to deflect responsibility so they are not held financially liable. 

Commercial truck accidents are just different. And because of how much injury and loss can ensue, it’s not uncommon for victims to meet with a legal team for more information, such as a team member from MartinWren, P.C.