Gather All The Facts

Just like an airplane's flight recorder, many of today's trucks come equipped with a "black box" that records crucial data about the vehicle's operation. This can include speed, brake usage, and other vital metrics leading up to the accident. Additionally, fleet management systems can reveal real-time truck monitoring, and communications logs between drivers and their employers that might shed light on why the collision occurred. 

Potential Areas of Negligence

Trucking cases involve not just the driver’s negligence, but potential claims for negligent hiring, improper supervision, failure to maintain and/or repair the vehicle, violations of regulations regarding maximum driving time, and more. Often, deeper systemic issues play a role. For instance, was the driver inadequately trained or hired without proper vetting? Could the accident have been prevented with proper vehicle maintenance? Studies indicate that fatigue plays a role in roughly 13% of all truck-related crashes, pointing to possible violations of regulations around maximum driving time. Other claims can involve negligent hiring, improper supervision, or failure to repair essential parts of the vehicle.

Injury Severity

The injuries are often more severe because the vehicle involved is so much larger and heavier. When a commercial truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the consequences are often magnified due to the disparity in size and weight. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, while large trucks account for only 4% of registered vehicles, they are involved in 11% of all motor vehicle crash deaths. This statistic underscores the heightened danger of truck accidents and highlights the often severe, life-altering injuries survivors face.

Dealing With Commercial Insurance Companies

Dealing with an insurance company after a truck accident isn't business as usual. Trucking companies typically work with commercial insurance providers, known for their vast resources and often aggressive defense strategies. These commercial entities will not hesitate to deploy various tactics to minimize or deny claims. Their depth of experience and expertise means injured parties must be equally well-represented and informed.

Understanding these unique elements is crucial for effective legal representation in a commercial trucking claim. We've dealt with many truck accident cases, giving us the insight and experience to tackle the distinctive challenges they entail. With Vames, Wang & Sosa Injury Lawyers by your side, you'll have a team that knows how to navigate the complexities of a truck collision case.