Semi-trucks provide cost-effective transportation for domestic businesses. Commercial trucks transport consumer goods and raw materials quickly and affordably all over the country.
However, their presence on the same roads as smaller passenger vehicles can lead to devastating collisions. When 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles collide with passenger vehicles, the smaller vehicle is likely to sustain major damage. Its occupants may incur significant injuries.
People affected by commercial truck collisions may have property damage losses, medical bills and lost income to recoup. Who might cover those expenses?
A commercial insurance policy
Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles typically have to carry large liability policies to comply with the law. Federal standards require at least $750,000 worth of liability coverage for large trucks. The people affected by the collision may be able to recover their losses through an insurance claim. They may need support, as large policies may lead to challenging negotiations.
The commercial driver
Many semi-truck crashes occur due to driver error. If the operator of a semi-truck makes a mistake that causes a crash, they may be personally liable. Particularly if they are an owner-operator who is self-employed, the people affected by the crash may want to consider taking legal action against the driver.
The commercial transportation company
Vicarious liability rules make employers responsible when workers cause serious incidents through negligence. Commercial transportation companies may technically be liable after crashes caused by their workers. Employment and vehicle maintenance practices can also make a transportation company liable for a wreck.
Particularly in scenarios involving catastrophic injuries or deaths, those seeking economic justice after a commercial truck crash may need to look into many options for financial relief. Determining who is liable and evaluating insurance coverage are both important steps when seeking to recover financial losses after a semi-truck crash.