Legal protections for truck accident victims

This blog recently discussed the serious threat truck accidents pose to victims. Unfortunately, accidents involving semi-trucks, commercial vehicles and large trucks have increased since 1992. Additionally, efforts to improve trucking regulations or enforce existing trucking regulations have not been a priority. Truck accidents can cause both catastrophic injuries to victims and death so it is important for victims to be familiar with their legal protections.It is possible to hold both a truck driver and negligent company, depending on the relationship between the truck driver and negligent company, accountable for the harm suffered by the victim if either both were negligent in causing the truck accident. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that insurance companies are oftentimes involved in compensating victims and their families for the harm suffered in a truck accident.As a result, it is important for victims to be familiar with both the personal injury and wrongful death claims for damages and how the process works. Truck drivers and trucking companies may be negligent by driving an overweight truck that is unable to stop to avoid an accident; by driving while fatigued; if the truck driver is unqualified or unsafe; or if the truck was poorly maintained or maintained defective safety equipment. When a truck driver or trucking company has been negligent, such as by failing to follow regulations, and has caused harm to victims, they may be liable for their damages.Victims of truck accidents may be able to recover physical, financial and emotional damages suffered in a truck accident. Personal injury protections can help victims seek help with medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and wrongful death damages following a truck accident.