How is a Trucking Accident Different than an Auto Accident When it Comes to the Law?

While it is true that a person can be severely injured in both an auto and trucking accident, if you have been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle it takes an attorney with experience in handling cases against big trucking companies to get the best result for you.  

According to the 2017 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data, “Of the approximately 450,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2017, there were 4,237 (1 percent) fatal crashes and 344,000 (23 percent) injury crashes.” Not surprisingly, most of the crashes (fatal and injury) occurred Monday-Friday.

Find out when you’re most likely to be in an accident in the Charlotte area.

A fully loaded tractor-trailer may weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and therefore these types of vehicles present additional risks to other drivers than a car crash.  Consequently, the trucking industry is regulated by the FMCSA which has developed rules and regulations to promote safety.  In addition to following the rules of the road, truckers also have to follow rules related to their training certifications, medical qualifications, hours on the road, route documentation, and many others.  Failing to follow these regulations creates the further risk of danger when operating a commercial vehicle and can present higher risks to other drivers on the roadways.   

Employers are obviously responsible for the negligent acts of their drivers, but the trucking companies may also be independently responsible for negligent hiring and retention of their drivers, failure to implement safety procedures, and improper maintenance of their commercial vehicles.

The safety rules that govern the trucking industry are designed to keep the public safe, but when the drivers and their companies don’t follow the rules everyone on the road is at risk of harm.

What to Do Next if You’re Involved in a Trucking Accident

Litigating a trucking accident case takes knowledge and experience with the industry. Be sure to ask the law firm questions about their experience dealing with complex personal injury cases, their willingness to litigate when necessary, and their out-of-court negotiation skills.

If you need help navigating a personal injury case caused by a trucking accident, the experienced Charlotte personal injury team at SeiferFlatow is ready to help. Talk to us to get started with your recovery.