Truck accidents differ from car accidents primarily because of the difference in size; e.g., trucks can be 30 times heavier than passenger vehicles. This increases the risk of severe crash damage and fatalities. Also, truck accidents are governed by state and federal agencies. If you’ve been seriously hurt, our truck accident attorneys at Patterson Law Group will work hard to recover maximum compensation on your behalf.
We understand how stressful it is when medical expenses and other bills pile up and you cannot work to support your family because of your injuries. Contact us today to request a free case evaluation. We are happy to answer your questions and advise on the best steps going forward.
Truck Accident Investigations Are More Complicated
When an accident involves two cars, the state or local police will be called to the scene and produce an accident report. However, when a truck is involved in an accident, a Fort Worth truck accident attorney will pursue more areas of inquiry than a car accident because state and federal agencies regulate the trucking industry.
For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) watches over the responsibilities of employers to ensure safety at the warehouse, dock, and other places truckers go to deliver and pick up loads throughout the country.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has authority over interstate highway driving only if the hazards are addressed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, such as Commercial Driving Licensing (CDL), the hours of service, and the roadworthiness of the vehicles.
Who Is Liable in a Trucking Accident
Identifying the negligent parties and their insurers after a car accident can be straightforward. It’s not so simple after an accident involving a truck.
Trucks usually are leased or owned by corporate entities. It’s not unusual for more than one insurer to have liability for the accident. Insurance companies often dispute whether they are responsible for your injuries and property losses.
An experienced Fort Worth personal injury attorney will be able to determine who or what is responsible for your truck accident, whether it is the truck’s manufacturer, the driver’s negligence, the loading facility, or the reckless driving of a third party.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Complicated to Settle?
There will likely be disputes over liability among the various parties, such as the driver, their employer, the lessor of the truck, or corporate owners of the vehicle, as well as multiple insurance companies. Each party will try to minimize or eliminate their fault in the accident.
In addition, unlike most car accidents, the interstate nature of the trucking industry may give rise to parties who dispute whether the law of one state or another applies in the lawsuit–regardless of where the accident happened. This is called conflicts of law. This issue arises in cases where the law of more than one jurisdiction could apply based on the facts of the case. Ensure that your lawyer is experienced in this legal issue and knows how to resolve it in your favor.
Contact Us at Patterson Law Group for a Free Consultation
At the Patterson Law Group, our team treats every client with respect and compassion. If you’ve been in an accident with a truck, trust that we will leverage our years of experience in this field and our considerable resources to fight for the largest settlement to cover your damages. Contact our Fort Worth office for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so there is no financial risk to our clients. If we don’t prevail, you will not owe us legal fees.
