Why Are Semi Truck Accidents So Complex?
Getting into an accident with a passenger vehicle is complicated enough. There are many things to handle, such as informing your insurance company, getting the damage fixed, getting a rental car, and other logistics.
A semi truck crash is even more complex. These vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, so the outcome can be catastrophic. Plus, there are often multiple parties involved, so who is at fault? It’s not easy to tell.
Because of the size of semi trucks, they are dangerous and deadly. In 2022, a total of 5,936 people died in semi truck crashes. The number of deaths is up 49% in the last 10 years. Most fatalities involved occupants of other vehicles (70%), followed by truck occupants (19%), and non-occupants, such as pedestrians and bicyclists (11%).
There are many other complexities involved in these crashes. Here’s a look at some of them.
Injuries
The massive size and weight difference of semi trucks can lead to severe damage and catastrophic injuries. The injuries may include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and fatalities. The long-term impact on victims may involve extended medical care, rehabilitation, and loss of income, complicating the assessment of damages.
Multiple Parties Involved
A typical car accident usually involves two drivers and their insurance companies. However, in a semi truck accident, multiple parties could be involved, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, the maintenance contractors, and the manufacturer of the truck parts. Determining who is at fault can be complicated when several entities share responsibility.
Regulations and Compliance Issues
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by state and federal laws, such as Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. There are specific rules regarding hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications. Compliance with these regulations must be examined as part of the accident investigation. Any violations of these rules will need to be investigated.
Evidence Collection Challenges
Critical evidence like driver logs, black box data, and surveillance footage needs to be gathered quickly before it’s lost or destroyed. Legal teams often require accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene, which can add another layer of complexity.
Commercial Insurance Policies
Semi trucks typically carry high-limit commercial insurance policies, which can exceed $1 million. Insurance companies often fight aggressively to minimize payouts due to the high financial stakes.
Complicated Accident Dynamics
Semi trucks have a higher risk of rollovers, jackknifing, and blind spot collisions, each with unique contributing factors. The dynamics of a truck accident differ significantly from those of smaller vehicles, making accident reconstruction more complex.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Semi truck accidents are complex because of the various factors involved. There are often multiple parties involved, making liability difficult to determine.
You need to act quickly in these situations so you can get the best possible outcome for your case. A Houston semi truck accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can assist you. Let us investigate your case and handle liability and compensation issues. To schedule a consultation, call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/
