Truck accidents are always dangerous, but when multiple vehicles are involved, the situation becomes even more complex. The size and weight of commercial trucks compared to regular passenger vehicles means that the damage caused in a multi-vehicle accident is often catastrophic. Dealing with the aftermath of a major truck accident with multiple injured parties can be an extremely challenging and stressful experience. This article will examine some of the unique issues that arise in multi-vehicle truck crashes and how an experienced attorney can help.
Higher Levels of Devastation
When a fully loaded 80,000-pound semi collides at highway speeds with smaller vehicles, the force of the impact is tremendous. The damage and injuries sustained in multi-vehicle truck crashes are typically much more severe than in accidents only involving passenger cars. It’s not uncommon to see complete destruction of vehicles, major structural damage, debilitating injuries, and even multiple fatalities in these types of wrecks. The large surface area and height differential of trucks also tend to result in impacts to multiple areas of any vehicles they strike.
Injuries such as head trauma, broken bones, spinal cord damage, internal organ damage, and traumatic brain injury are widespread in high-speed multi-vehicle truck crashes. The medical bills for treatment of these devastating injuries frequently total hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Many accident victims require lengthy hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabilitation, at-home nursing care, and other expensive services over the course of their recovery. The financial strain imposed on injured parties and their families is often overwhelming after a serious multi-vehicle truck wreck.
Complex Accident Investigations
Piecing together exactly what happened before, during, and after a major truck accident involving multiple vehicles can be immensely difficult. Law enforcement officers will have to thoroughly document the accident scene, take measurements and photographs, interview witnesses, review any camera footage that may be available, examine skid marks and debris, and analyze the vehicles involved. Even after extensive investigation, they may not be able to definitively determine how the crash occurred and who was at fault.
If the truck driver was fatigued, intoxicated, or driving recklessly, they may be reluctant to admit fault. Witnesses to the collision will likely have differing accounts of what transpired. Physical evidence from the scene must be interpreted by accident reconstruction experts to shed light on what went wrong. Trucking companies frequently blame other motorists when their drivers cause collisions. Having an attorney involved early in the investigation process helps protect an injured party’s rights if fault for the wreck is disputed.
Numerous Potential Legal Claims
Figuring out all the viable legal claims and insurance implications following a complex truck accident involving multiple vehicles can require extensive knowledge of applicable laws and regulations. There may be potential claims against the truck driver, their employer, truck manufacturer, parts suppliers, maintenance companies, insurance providers, or other parties depending on the specific circumstances of the crash. Navigating the web of potential claims in a multi-vehicle truck accident typically necessitates the involvement of an experienced truck accident attorney.
Some of the parties that could potentially share liability in a multi-vehicle truck crash include:
- The truck driver for reckless or negligent driving
- Trucking company for inadequate driver screening or training
- Trucking company for overloading the truck or failing to properly maintain it
- Parts manufacturer for a defective component that caused the crash
- Company responsible for inspecting or servicing the truck
- Truck manufacturer for a design flaw
- Other motorists involved in the accident who were driving negligently
- Government agencies responsible for road conditions or signage
Without an attorney, accident victims may be unaware of all parties that should be named in injury lawsuits or claims with insurance providers following the wreck. The statute of limitations for taking legal action after truck collisions is generally just one to two years.
Navigating Multiple Insurance Policies
The various parties potentially implicated in a multi-vehicle truck accident typically have different insurance coverage. This can include individual policies on passenger vehicles involved, commercial policies on the truck and trucking company, umbrella coverage, and even coverage through a negligent third party like a parts manufacturer. Identifying all applicable insurance resources and filing claims correctly and promptly is vitally important.
In severe crashes with multiple claimants, there are often disputes over which insurers will pay which portions of the damages. In some cases, coverage limits may be insufficient to fully compensate all injured parties. Knowledge of insurance claim regulations, negotiating with adjusters, and, if necessary, litigation to recover fair damages from insurers requires an attorney experienced in multi-vehicle truck accident cases. They act as an advocate to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
The Aftermath of a Serious Crash
Coping with the aftermath of a catastrophic truck accident involving multiple vehicles goes far beyond just recovering from physical injuries. There is also the psychological trauma, emotional suffering, strain on personal relationships, and lifestyle limitations that often persist long after the crash. Accident victims experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, and permanent disabilities. Supporting family members are also affected emotionally and psychologically following the devastating event.
These intangible damages add a whole separate layer of complexity when evaluating the full scope of losses sustained in a serious multi-vehicle collision with a truck. Documenting pain and suffering stemming from the psychological and emotional effects of the accident helps account for the entire experience when pursuing fair compensation through insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits. An attorney will retain medical experts to assess both the physical and mental impacts.
Get Legal Help Today
Don’t go it alone if you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle truck accident. Consultations are free, and there are no upfront costs – we collect no fee until you receive compensation. Our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys deal with these complex cases on a regular basis. We have the resources and expertise to fully investigate the accident, identify all viable legal claims, and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
Contact us today to start working with a law firm that will compassionately yet aggressively look out for your best interests.
Visit our office at 422 Jacksonville Dr. Suite B, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.
Or call us today for a free consultation on (904) 587-4446.
