While auto accidents occur constantly, they aren’t the only type of accident you need to worry about on the road. Large trucks, such as those carrying large cargo loads across the country, can cause significant damage and injuries in an accident.
The more trucks that are on the road, the more risk there is for a catastrophe. Injuries from a truck accident can be life-changing and leave you with a significant financial burden. If you or a loved one was injured due to a truck driver’s negligence, let the Owensboro truck accident lawyers at Gerling Law help.
What Makes Owensboro Truck Accidents More Challenging?
Truck accidents are very different when compared to auto accidents. The large size and weight of trucks mean they can cause considerably more damage. In addition to the apparent size and weight differences, there are several other reasons that truck accident claims are more complicated when compared to auto accident claims.
Insurance Policies
Truck insurance policies vary considerably from auto policies and have substantially more coverage. Because the policy is more comprehensive with higher limits, insurance companies will do everything possible to demonstrate their insured is not liable.
Kentucky is a pure comparative fault state, which means you can collect damages even when you are partially at fault for an accident. The truck driver’s insurance will be looking to put the maximum percentage of liability on you as it reduces or eliminates its potential payout.
Property Damage Severity
Trucks can cause significantly more property damage than a vehicle collision. There may be multiple vehicles and other nearby property that is damaged.
Multiple Victims
Many large truck accidents involve multiple parties and vehicles. Some large truck accidents can involve many cars in a big pile-up, which can be complicated when resolving all those claims. There is only a certain amount of money through the truck driver’s policy, and the insurance company may need to resolve five, ten, or even more injury claims. That means they may have to apportion the funds to determine who gets what.
Determining Who Is Responsible
With a car accident, one or both parties might share some responsibility. With truck accidents, there could be more parties who should be held accountable. Determining which of those parties are at fault is not necessarily easy. The truck driver may have some liability, but their employer and even an equipment manufacturer might also share some responsibility.
This situation is common when there are allegations against the trucking company for negligence or a defective part on the truck that contributed to the accident. Determining all the liable parties plays a central role in resolving a truck accident claim.
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What to Do After an Owensboro Truck Accident
The first step after getting into a truck accident is to call 911. You should request police assistance and medical assistance if you are injured. If your injuries are not too severe, and you can safely do so, take scene photos. Try to get pictures of the vehicle damage, the surrounding scene, and whatever other aspects that will help resolve your claim. The more information you have, the better. Some details may not seem important at the time, but they could become a crucial part of the investigation.
Once the police arrive, they will document the accident scene and compile all the details into the official police report. This report can also be an essential piece of evidence in your case.
If you are not taken to the hospital from the accident scene, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if you don’t believe you are injured, it’s crucial to seek treatment. You could have internal injuries that aren’t immediately visible. Be sure to follow all instructions your doctor gives you. Please don’t delay as the defendant’s insurance company will use your delay in treatment in support of its defense.
The Owensboro Truck Accident Lawyers at Gerling Law
At Gerling Law, our Owensboro truck accident lawyers are passionate about helping you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. We have years of experience navigating complex truck accident claims, and we aren’t afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. We know how insurance companies work, and we will be your legal advocate every step of the way.
If you suffered injuries in an Owensboro truck accident, don’t attempt to fight with the insurance company on your own. Contact Gerling Law to learn more about how we can help. We will review your case and give you the honest legal advice you need.
