Many of the semi-trailers that you see on highways are
engaged in interstate commerce. On that basis, they are required to register
with the Federal Motor Carrier Administration and U.S. Department of
Transportation. Because ...
Read moreMany of the semi-trailers that you see on highways are
engaged in interstate commerce. On that basis, they are required to register
with the Federal Motor Carrier Administration and U.S. Department of
Transportation. Because of the devastation these massive vehicles can cause,
their owners and operators are subject to more extensive regulations than
ordinary motorists. Regulations include, but are not limited to maintenance and
periodic inspections, commercial driver's licenses, hours of service rules,
maintaining log books and even truck "black box" rules.
Due to the severe damage that a large truck can cause, the
minimum insurance coverage that they are required to be covered with is
exponentially higher than that of a passenger vehicle. Most big rig policies
exceed $1 million of coverage. When
accidents occur, claims are assigned only to the insurers' top adjusters. Their strategies are to attempt to shift some
or all of the fault for the accident over onto victims in order to devalue or
even deny claims in their entirety. If a crash was clearly the fault of the
truck driver, and the victim has not retained a personal injury lawyer, a
"top dollar" settlement offer might be made in order to induce the
victim to go away early. Do not become a victim twice. Retain experienced Auto
Accident Lawyers from the onset of your claim.
Economic and non-economic damages in these types of cases
typically consist of medical bills, lost earnings or diminished earning
capacity, any permanent disfigurement or disability, pain and suffering and
loss of enjoyment of a normal life. Do not try to represent yourself in a case
against a truck driver or trucking company, and never give a statement of any
kind to the opposing insurer without an attorney being present. The law does
not require you to give that statement, and your own words will be used against
you in the future in efforts to attack your credibility and devalue your claim.
The opposing insurer will have you right where it wants you. You will want to
be represented by a seasoned and effective personal injury lawyer from the
onset of your truck accident claim.