Any type of motor vehicle accident can result in serious injuries and losses. However, not all collisions are created equal. There are several differences between a collision with a regular passenger car and a large semi-truck weighing tens of thousands of pounds.
If you intend on pursuing a claim following a truck accident, it is important to be aware of these details. They will likely have a significant impact on your case.
Semi-Trucks Are Much Larger Than Cars
The first major difference between semi-truck accidents and car accidents in Augusta is that trucks are much larger and heavier than cars. As a result, they are more difficult to operate, and truck drivers must take careful steps to stay in control. Any error could lead to a serious accident.
Accidents involving trucks are usually more severe because of this size difference. Victims of these collisions can suffer from very serious injuries that lead to permanent disabilities. Many people do not survive truck accidents due to the force and impact.
Truck Accidents Often Involve Trucking Companies
Truck drivers are usually employed by a company or are contracted by a company to perform a duty. In Georgia, employers are liable for any accidents that their employees cause while on the job. Unlike motor vehicle drivers, truckers are likely performing their duties at the time of an accident.
If you are injured in a truck accident, you will likely file a claim against both the driver and his or her employer. Pursuing a claim against a trucking company can be complex, and you may need to deal with an aggressive insurer or legal team.
Keep in mind that these liability rules do not apply to independent contractors. In these situations, you can only name the trucking company in your claim unless the company’s negligence caused the accident.
Trucking Companies Could Be Negligent
Car accidents are usually caused by the actions of an individual driver, such as failing to stop at a red light or yield the right of way. However, truck accidents can be caused by a variety of negligent acts, including negligence on the part of a trucking company.
Like their drivers, trucking companies need to follow strict regulations and ensure that their vehicles are in safe condition. If a company fails to uphold its duties and later causes an accident, it could be liable for the collision.
Examples of trucking company negligence include the following.
Failing to routinely inspect vehicles
Failing to properly maintain vehicles
Hiring untrained or unlicensed drivers
Forcing drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations
Using negligent cargo-loading practices
Truck Accident Cases Require Different Types of Evidence
To prove a car accident claim, you will typically need to gather your medical records, the police report, witness statements, and any evidence collected at the scene, like photographs. However, truck accident claims often require different types of evidence.
For example, you may need the truck’s maintenance reports, driving logs, the truck’s black box data, and electronic logging device records. The trucking company may be reluctant to provide you with this information.
Speak to an Augusta Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck accident claims can be highly complex and challenging to prove. In these situations, an Augusta truck accident lawyer can protect your best interests and leverage his or her authority to gather the evidence you need. Contact an attorney as soon as possible following your collision to discuss your case strategy.
