When you are the victim of a truck accident, you need accurate information to protect your legal rights and to ensure that you receive what you are entitled to in your settlement. Unfortunately, there are many myths about truck crashes that victims sometimes believe—to their detriment. Here, we debunk some common truck accident myths.
Myth #1: Truck Drivers Must Follow the Same Traffic Rules as Passenger Vehicle Drivers
While it is true that truckers must follow the same basic traffic rules as drivers of passenger vehicles in Virginia, they must also follow other stricter rules. For example, the posted speed limit may be lower for a truck than a car. Trucks may also be prohibited on some roads due to weight restrictions or low overpasses.
In addition, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow many strict federal regulations administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Hiring, hours of work and breaks, truck maintenance, and truck driver logs are just some of the important regulations that are often violated when a trucker causes a truck accident.
Myth #2: Truck Drivers and Truckers Are Rarely Found Liable in a Truck Crash
In many cases, truck driver and trucking company negligence are the causes of tragic, often preventable accidents. Driver errors can include distracted driving, intoxication, speeding, drowsy driving, and much more. In Virginia, trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for their truck drivers’ negligence. You could also have a separate claim based on negligent hiring, lack of maintenance, and other claims of negligence against the trucking company.
Myth #3: Truck Drivers Suffer as Serious Injuries as Other Victims
False! The victims of passenger vehicles are much more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or death in a truck accident than the negligent truck driver. This is because a much smaller vehicle has less protection than an 80,000-pound semi-truck. Common injuries that victims suffer include:
- Paralysis
- Crushed and broken bones
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
Myth #4: The Insurance Company Will Treat You Fairly
When the trucker’s fault in causing your injuries is clear-cut, you may expect the trucker’s and trucking company’s insurance company to treat you fairly and offer you a fair settlement. Unfortunately, this often does not occur. Because your injuries will most likely be serious, the value of your claim will be larger. The insurance company could fight harder—and longer—to deny or dispute your claim.
Contact Our Norfolk Office for Help
Our experienced truck accident attorneys have years of experience successfully settling truck accident claims. We are here to guide you through the process of filing your claim and fighting for the compensation that you deserve after being injured in a truck accident. To learn more, call our office today to schedule your free initial consultation.
|
Related Links: |