Truck Accidents are deadly. Being on the other end of an out-of-control 18-wheeler can result in devastating injuries and death. In 2014 (the year for which the most recent data is available), there were 3,700 fatalities as a result of truck accidents in the U.S.
Most of the time, truck drivers survive the crash, while their victims do not. In fact, of those people who died, about 90% were passenger vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, bicyclists or pedestrians, while about 16% were truck drivers.
If a victim does not die, the injuries sustained are extremely consequential as well. Spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries and paralysis are common due to the forceful collision of a large truck hitting a much smaller object.
We all know that truck drivers, even while federally regulated, are not necessarily the guilty parties. They are forced to work long hours on long hauls and do their best to be alert and careful at all times. Unfortunately, the financial and corporate pressures put on them to push themselves can result in devastating loss for thousands of families each year.
Why commercial truck accidents are good for your case
We know it is hard to take away something good from a horrible situation, but there is a bright side for your recovery.
In regular car accidents, the careless party who caused the accident is often times underinsured or does not even have insurance. Louisiana has the lowest minimum rates to insure a vehicle than any other state. As a result, you may not be compensated for the health care you need or for the loss of your loved one because people with minimum insurance most likely do not have the means to have personal assets to sue.
Trucking companies are required by federal law to have insurance. Ever see those truck weigh stations while you are driving on the highway? They are checking truck weight, but they also ensure that the trucks and drivers are complying with other protocols required for operation.
Since most trucking companies are multi-million dollar outfits with multi-million dollar inventories being hauled around the country, they must have multi-million dollar insurance policies to cover their fleets of trucks in case of an accidents or loss. This means that in almost every situation there will be a multi-million dollar company to sue as well as a multi-million dollar policy.
There is no hassle of going after a person’s personal assets to cover the costs of your medical bills and compensation for your pain and suffering. The insurance should more than adequately cover all expenses and general damages to you.