If you operate a commercial truck, it is important that you learn more about the liability laws related to commercial drivers in your state. These requirements can be very different from the non-commercial motorist insurance laws. The unfortunate reality is that accidents can and do occur with trucks from time to time, and you need to take steps to prevent them from happening. In the event you are involved in an accident, you need to know how to proceed to protect yourself from financial loss.
The Many Causes of Truck Accidents
There are numerous causes of truck accidents, and some of these are preventable issues. For example, an exhausted driver who falls asleep at the wheel is a common cause of truck accidents. In addition, distracted driving behavior and unsafe driving behaviors can cause serious accidents. These are all entirely preventable by improved driving habits by the truck driver. Some accidents, however, are caused by mechanical issues with the truck, poor maintenance by your company or other drivers on the road.
The Impact of a Truck Accident
Because of the size of trucks, many accidents involving these vehicles cause serious injury or worse. They often result in expensive medical bills and vehicle repair bills. Some drivers or their companies may be sued for damages, and this may be most common with negligence or unsafe driving behaviors. You may think that your company’s truck insurance would pay for all of these expenses, but this is not always the case.
Understanding Who Is Liable
Determining the cause of a truck accident is critical. For example, if your brakes failed, the brake manufacturer or the company that performed the last brake service may be held liable. On the other hand, if you were negligent behind the wheel, you may be held personally liable, and the company’s insurance may not always compensate you for related expenses. Responsibility for the accident may be determined through an extensive investigation by law enforcement officials.
The Need for a Lawyer
There are instances when hiring a personal injury lawyer, such as one from Spesia & Ayers Attorneys At Law, to represent you in a truck accident case makes sense. For example, if you are being personally sued for damages related to a truck accident, you may need legal representation. Perhaps you have been injured yourself because another party was negligent on the road or because the company failed to properly maintain the truck. You may need to hire a lawyer to sue for damages.
Many truck drivers will be involved in at least one accident over the course of their career. While many accidents are minor, some are serious or even have fatal results. It is necessary for truck drivers to always drive as safely as possible at all times, and you should also have a plan of action in mind in the event you are involved in an accident.
Author Info: Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake. You can find her on Twitter.
