Involved in an Accident With a Semi-Truck? Here’s What You Need to Know

Getting into a car accident is always a hassle — but getting into an accident with a semi-truck can be especially stressful and complicated. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, here’s what you should know.

Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are Different

When you are involved in a semi-truck accident, you’re not just going to deal with the semi-truck driver. It’s important to know that a “multiple-party accident” doesn’t necessarily mean that more than two vehicles have been involved in the car crash — it simply means that more than one party may be responsible for damages.

Commercial truck accidents are often multiple-party accidents since the owner of the semi-truck may insure the truck but may not be the actual driver. In addition, the driver may not be hired directly by the truck owner, but may simply be working under contract for a trucking company. Therefore, several parties may be liable if you suffer injuries or damage to your vehicle after an accident with a semi-truck.

Semi-Truck Accidents: Factors to Consider

Typically, semi-truck accidents are caused by driver error. Factors that your injury lawyer or your insurance company will consider as they investigate your accident may include:

• Violation of traffic laws (such as speeding or running red lights)
• Whether alcohol or drug use was a contributing factor to the crash
• Driver distraction, including cell phone use, which could have contributed to the crash
• Driver medical conditions that could have rendered them unsafe to operate the truck

Your lawyer or insurance investigator may investigate whether the company that employs the truck operator followed proper hiring processes, including whether drivers follow on-road time limits and get enough rest. They may also look into the semi-truck operator’s driving history to try to find patterns that may help you get compensated for injuries or damage to your vehicle.

Have You Been in a Semi-Truck Accident?

If you’ve been the victim of a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries, property damage, medical expenses, loss of wages and more. While you may be tempted to accept a quick settlement offer, speaking to an experienced attorney at Dunnion Law can help you collect the compensation you deserve for your injuries.