Not all collisions are treated alike. The legal path for a car accident claim can be vastly different from a truck accident claim. Learning these differences can determine how much compensation you ultimately recover.
Liability in a car accident
In a typical car accident, liability usually comes down to one simple question: who was at fault? Investigators rely on police reports, eyewitness accounts and traffic camera footage to piece together what happened. Once the share of fault of both the parties are determined using Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence, the injured party can recover damages as long as their fault is strictly less than 50%. While disputes do arise, the process is relatively simple compared to a truck crash.
Liability in a truck accident
Truck accident claims operate on an entirely different level because commercial trucks involve multiple parties in addition to the driver of the truck. Some of the parties that you can hold responsible are:
- Trucking company
- Cargo loaders
- Vehicle maintenance contractors
- Truck’s manufacturer
On top of that, strict federal rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) govern commercial trucking. A violation of any of these rules can serve as evidence of carelessness. However, knowing precisely where to look and what evidence to seek is essential.
How a legal guide may help
A truck accident claim without proper legal support can put you at a serious disadvantage. Trucking companies and their insurers may avoid blame and minimize payouts. An attorney familiar with these cases knows how to gather evidence before it disappears. They can identify every liable party and build a case strong enough to demand fair payment from everyone.
