Because tractor-trailers are enormous, they always pose some risk to drivers of ordinary vehicles. If a commercial vehicle collides with yours, you may suffer catastrophic and life-altering injuries. While the average cost of medical bills from car accidents is $67,000, the injuries you suffer in a truck accident may be substantially more expensive to treat.
Principles of fairness dictate you should not have to pay the high cost of someone else’s improper actions. If you have mounting medical bills after a collision with a semi truck, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from three different parties.
1. The driver of the truck
Your first instinct may be to blame the truck driver for the accident. After all, a trucker’s conduct may have either caused or contributed to the crash. While the trucker’s insurer may cover the cost of your injuries, the driver may not have the financial ability to pay for your damages.
2. The owner of the truck
Many commercial truck drivers work for trucking companies. These companies may have deeper pockets than the truckers they employ. Consequently, to receive the compensation you need to recover completely from your injuries, you may be able to go after the trucking company.
3. The servicer of the truck
If a mechanical issue caused or contributed to the crash, it may be worthwhile to explore whether a mechanic, parts supplier, loader or servicer played a role in the crash. These parties may carry their own insurance, have considerable financial resources or both.
Because you may need both immediate and long-term care, you can expect to pay a high price for medical treatment and related items. Ultimately, pursuing compensation from every party that may have been responsible for the crash ensures you receive the care you need without going bankrupt.
