After an automobile accident, you’re probably not automatically thinking about insurance claims or protecting your legal rights. Instead, you are concerned about your well-being. If the accident results in property damage, there may be a certain level of confusion. There are many questions you may ask. Do I need to hire a lawyer? Should I file an insurance claim? Who’s going to pay for my car repairs?
The truth is that it can depend on whether the other party was driving a car or commercial truck. Let’s take a closer look at some of the differences between auto and truck accidents:
State and Federal Regulations
It’s important to carefully consider the rules, laws and licensing requirements in your city or state when you are involved in an accident. When it comes to cars, distracted driving, maintaining basic licensure and minimum insurance may factor in your ability to get compensation after an accident. However, for commercial trucks, things can get a bit more complicated.
There are more factors that can play into a truck driver’s liability in an accident, such as who can operate trucks of various sizes. At the federal level, commercial trucks drivers are legally required to keep strict logs regarding maintenance and rest schedules. If a truck driver violates one of these rules, it can lead to huge shifts in liability.
Who Pays the Settlement?
The person who pays the settlement also creates big differences in an auto or truck accident. For regular motor vehicles, there may be minimum insurance standards that might not meet the damage suffered because of the crash. Truck drivers are required to carry larger policy limits, but commercial vehicles also cause more damage. While the driver of a commercial truck may have a personal insurance policy, he or she is operating the vehicle on behalf of a company. This might make it confusing as to who is responsible for paying for the damages. Typically, drivers of trucks are employees of a company and the company is legally responsible for the damages.
Disproportionate Representation
In an auto accident, you will likely just have to exchange insurance information with the other driver and hire a personal injury lawyer, like a lawyer can count on. If you are hit by a commercial vehicle, you will be up against a larger team. Trucks often have larger insurance companies and more resources.
A car driver is likely on his or her own to build a case against a truck company and its lawyers.
You Have Options
Whether you are involved in an auto or truck accident, recognize that you do have the right to hire a lawyer. He or she may help you obtain the compensation you deserve.