Truck accidents are becoming more frequent on our Valley freeways, and if you have ever been involved in an accident like this, you know how complicated the aftermath can be. Trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, can cause serious injuries and property damage. Wrecks often involve several vehicles, and occasionally involve hazardous cargo. If you are ever the victim of a truck driver’s negligence, you will face a challenging road to both physical and financial recovery.
Why Are Injury Cases Involving Commercial Vehicles and Trucks So Complicated?
Unlike the majority of drivers on the road, commercial drivers and vehicles are heavily regulated by federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The agencies regulate everything from the driver’s rest and work schedule to the method in which cargo must be tied down, and everyone involved in a truck’s journey—from the driver to the shipper—is responsible for ensuring the safe transport and delivery of the cargo onboard.
In addition to strict federal regulations, there are also many players at stake behind each rig on the road. In a single tractor trailer rig, there are several entities that are involved, including:
- The truck driver
- The truck’s owner
- The trucking company
- Maintenance personnel
- The shipper
With this many regulations and parties involved, each accident opens the possibility for several different negligent parties. While this can make truck accident injury cases incredibly complex, it also opens the door for recovering a larger settlement.
Do I Need an Attorney Following an Accident With a Truck—Even If My Injuries Are Minor?
After a truck accident, even a relatively minor one, you could find yourself dealing with several different insurance companies representing the truck’s driver, the trucking company, or the owner of the cargo and trailer. Insurance companies are businesses whose primary focus is protecting their profits, so their goal is to get you to settle for the lowest possible amount.
By hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can level the playing field as you seek compensation. Your attorney has the resources and skills to collect evidence, expert witnesses, and accident documentation to strengthen your case and maximize your results.
If you have been hurt in a Phoenix truck accident, do not risk facing the insurance companies alone. The personal injury attorneys at Curry, Pearson & Wooten offer aggressive representation to victims who have been hurt—contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.