Green Bay truck accident lawyersOften, victims and their families assume that semi-truck accidents and car crashes are treated the same. There are some major differences, however. In some cases, this can make winning compensation more difficult. In other ways, it can increase the amount that a victim or their family may be owed. Learn more about how semi accidents are different from car crashes, and why it matters, with help from the following information.

Truck Drivers Are Held to a Higher Standard

Semi-truck drivers are required to train for and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). To maintain their licensing status, CDL holders must also undergo regular physicals and drug screenings. As such, they are held to a higher standard than typical drivers; they are expected to understand the risk that they and their vehicles pose to other drivers, and to act accordingly.

Federal Regulations and the Trucking Industry

Just as drivers are held to a higher standard through licensing requirements, the trucking industry itself is held to a higher standard by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When carriers or their drivers fail to adhere to the standards set by the FMCSA, they can be held liable for their negligence. The stronger the liability claim against a truck company or its driver, the greater the chance for full and fair compensation. As such, victims are advised to seek legal assistance with their claims.

In-Depth Investigations Can Be Crucial to a Case

Since there are many parties that may be held accountable in a semi accident, it is crucial that a full investigation is done to determine who may be liable. For example, the carrier, a loading company, maintenance company, or the driver may have been responsible for an accident. Further, there is the potential for multiple party negligence in trucking accidents. Consider, for example, a trucking company that does not track their drivers’ log books; in this instance, a fatigued driver and the carrier may both be considered liable in an accident.

Trucking Accidents Are More Time Sensitive

Although auto crashes are time-sensitive, in general, those that involve semi-trucks have a higher sense of urgency. This increased time-sensitivity is often due to the possible archiving of critical data, such as time logs and maintenance records. Some of this information may only be available for a short period, and not having it could compromise a victim’s case.

The Injuries Are Often More Severe

While serious injuries can occur in any crash, commercial truck accidents often have a higher risk of catastrophic injury. This increased risk is due, in part, to the increased size and weight of semi-trucks. As such, victims may need the extra assistance in handling claims, as they may be unable to meet deadlines on their own.

Contact Our Green Bay Trucking Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a trucking accident, Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can help. Our seasoned Green Bay trucking accident lawyers fight aggressively for the most compensation possible, and we stand by our clients, every step of the way. Learn more about how we can assist with your case by scheduling a free consultation. Call 920-739-7366.

Sources:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131205220041.htm