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Unlike car accidents, trucks pose a greater threat to the driving community due to their greater weight and larger size. Truck accidents could cause significant injuries and damages to all involved.
If you or a loved one were involved in an accident with a semi-trailer, big rig, or any other type of commercial vehicle, a Michigan City truck accident lawyer could help your case. They could collect evidence, investigate the cause of the collision, and determine which party is at fault for damages. With the help of a seasoned personal injury attorney, victims may be eligible to recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
There are many reasons why a big rig crash could occur. One reason a collision could occur is due to the size of tractor-trailers. The increased size of a truck creates limited visibility, making lanes changes a greater challenge for a truck. A truck driver attempting to change lanes or make a turn may not see your vehicle. If your vehicle is in a truck’s blind spot, a truck driver may not even be aware that they were involved in an accident.
Another reason a truck crash might occur is the inability to maneuver the tractor-trailer. The inability to stop quickly requires more distance to come to a stop making rear-end accidents more common in incidents involving a commercial truck. Lack of training to operate a tractor-trailer could also be a reason why an accident could occur. The trucking company could be held liable if they fail to properly train big rig drivers.
The increased size of a truck creates limited visibility, making lanes changes a greater challenge for a truck. A truck driver attempting to change lanes or make a turn may not see your vehicle. If your vehicle is in a truck’s blind spot, a truck driver may not even be aware that they were involved in an accident
Truck drivers are more prone to fatigue than drivers of passenger vehicles. While there are rules mandated by the federal government to limit the number of hours a commercial vehicle operator can drive, it is still possible to cut corners and put others on the road at risk.
Other common causes of big rig crashes include:
These factors can increase the likelihood of injuries or severe damage to a vehicle when a truck is involved in an accident. Consulting with a Michigan City truck accident lawyer should be the first step in evaluating what relief is available.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation outlines minimum standards for commercial vehicles that operate between more than one state. There are additional state and federal regulations that may apply to commercial vehicles that operate within state lines.
Due to the complexity of federal and state regulations, there are distinct differences between automobile and truck accidents. It is always a good idea to consult a Michigan City truck accident lawyer after an accident with a commercial vehicle to ensure that no detail is overlooked.
In the State of Indiana, truck drivers are required to maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance, which is usually higher than the requirement for an automobile. If the gross vehicle weight (GVW) is more than 10,000, the minimum amount of liability insurance is as follows:
While these higher amounts may help mitigate the damages sustained in an accident, they might not be enough to repair the damage done to you or your vehicle. A knowledgeable Michigan City truck accident lawyer can assist you in securing the best outcome possible under the circumstances of your case.
Following a big rig accident, it is best to reach out to a diligent truck accident attorney. They could calculate your losses and help you seek compensation from the responsible party. It is best to seek help from a Michigan City truck accident lawyer who is well-versed in the rules, regulations, and repercussions specific to tractor-trailer collisions.
Let an experienced attorney help your case. Call today to schedule a consultation.