Due to the size and weight of a large truck, the injuries an accident victim sustains can be devastating.
Cases concerning truck crashes are complex and one of the reasons for this is that liability may extend to multiple parties.
About truck crashes
Around 2 million of the estimated 16 million trucks on U.S. roadways are heavyweight big rigs. These trucks weigh approximately 230 times that of a passenger SUV. Consequently, in a truck-car accident, the occupants of the smaller vehicle almost always suffer the most severe injuries.
Common causes
Inclement weather that results in poor visibility can easily cause a crash. In addition, a surprising number of big rig crashes happen in rural areas where a deer or other animal crossing the road may cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. Driver fatigue also plays a role in crashes since truckers often stay behind the wheel for 10 or 11 hours at a stretch. Overloaded cargo and the malfunction of truck components are still other reasons for crashes.
Liability issues
Someone hurt in a truck-car crash may require hospitalization followed by a physical therapy or rehabilitation program. The patient may be unable to return to work for an extended period of time, if ever. Medical costs, therefore, become a primary concern, especially if the victim is the only breadwinner in the family. However, in a truck-car crash, the liability may extend to multiple parties. These might include the driver, the company that owns the truck and possibly the company responsible for maintaining or loading the truck. Advocates for the injured party can launch a thorough investigation, determine liability and provide needed support so that he or she can concentrate on recovery.
