Why truck accident victims often face tougher insurance battles
Shared liability, bigger insurance policies, and evidence with a short expiration date are just three reasons why truck accident victims can find it hard to make successful claims. Commercial trucking regulations are completely different from those for passenger cars. So to seek and secure truck accident compensation, most people need legal help.
In 2024, large truck crashes accounted for 5,340 deaths on the roads – 14% of the national total, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). With their larger size and complex regulations, injuries and pursuing justice after a truck accident can be overwhelming. So, getting the legal help truck accident victims rely on is even more important than in regular car accident cases.
Bigger Policies, More Complex Defense
Under federal law 49 CFR Part 387, interstate carriers hauling general cargo must hold a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage. If they are hauling certain types of cargo, this can increase to $5 million. The stakes are high, so expect insurance adjusters handling these claims to be more aggressive than those handling a simple fender bender.
Expect insurance companies to take the following action:
- Assigning senior adjusters
- Retaining defense counsel early
- Contesting liability aggressively
These are the root cause of most insurance challenges truck accident victims face. Get the right legal counsel, though, that specializes in truck accidents, and you’ll give yourself a better chance of success.
Several Parties, Multiple Insurers
In a truck accident, fault rarely lies with just one party. Unlike in regular car accidents where the blame is apportioned between car drivers, the truck driver may be just one of several liable parties. Other potential sources of compensation include:
- The motor carrier
- The owner of the trailer
- The maintenance contractor
- The loading company
- The broker who arranged the haul
Each party will have their own insurance and lawyers. This cross-blame can make navigating truck accident claims slow. This is why it’s a mistake to solely rely on your own insurance company to figure out fair compensation for your injuries.
Evidence Has an Expiration Date
Under federal laws, trucking companies are only required to keep many records for six months. However, in many states, you have up to three years to file a claim. If you take your time, hours-of-service logs, dispatch records, bills of lading, and fuel receipts that could have been used as evidence could have been legally destroyed over two years before you file a claim.
By promptly contacting Denver trucking injury lawyers, you give yourself the best chance of filing a successful claim. They can help you navigate truck accident victim rights and have the experience to handle the multiple challenges truck accidents present.
Evening the Odds for Truck Accident Victims
Getting into a truck accident can be life-changing, and you need compensation that matches your suffering. Give yourself the best chance of securing the truck accident compensation you deserve by acting fast, seeking legal advice, and doggedly pursuing your rights, however overwhelming the challenge may appear to be.
If you’ve found this article useful, we’ve got more for you! Check out our other articles for more helpful advice on how to protect your rights after a car accident and more.
