If you’re in an accident that involves a tractor-trailer, you might automatically assume that the process will be similar to regular car accidents. While there are similarities, you have to keep in mind that there are also major differences. Whether you are the truck driver or driver of a passenger vehicle, you have to note that the different regulations for truck drivers can lend to a different process. Here is what you need to know about the differences.
Trucking Company
After a trucking accident, liability becomes a question. This is going to be a question no matter which driver you are. Many truckers operate under a trucking company. This means that the company may be responsible for paying any damages. Now, in a case where a trucker is independent, he or she may be liable. In some cases, even if there is a company, a trucker may still be responsible. Liability tends to be more complicated than regular car accidents.
Insurance Regulations
Another big difference between tractor trailer accidents and regular car accidents are the differences in insurance. Insurance policies for a commercial truck are very different from regular car insurance. This is because you are dealing with a vehicle that is a lot more expensive and not only that, but a large vehicle that can cause extensive damage on the road. Trucking accidents have higher costs! This has to do with medical bills, property damage and more. When you file a claim, there will be an investigation into the accident. Given the high cost of insurance, most insurers will investigate thoroughly and may try different tactics to pay less.
Process Length
During a trucker accident case, he process depends on a lot of factors. How easy it is to establish liability, how much property damage there is and other factors will change the length of the process. Often, an attorney can assist in helping the process go quicker. Often there are a lot of negotiations to go through.
Commercial drivers and average drivers do have some similar rules to abide by. Many of the basic rules are similar. However, this doesn’t mean that all of the regulations are the same. Tractor-trailer and commercial truck drivers have to abide by specific regulations. These regulations tend to be stricter than passenger vehicles. The differences can impact any accident case that a truck driver or passenger vehicle faces. If you are a party in a truck accident, you have to expect there to be differences. Most attorneys offer free consultations, speak to a truck accident lawyer today!
Source: Truck Accident Lawyer Trenton, NJ, Davis & Brusca, LLC