The sheer size and weight of delivery trucks can cause severe damage, affecting the health of those involved and their finances and quality of life. However, unlike most accidents between personal vehicles, crashes with commercial delivery trucks often involve particularly complex liability and insurance issues.
Navigating the aftermath of such an accident requires understanding of several key aspects of the legal process, including determining fault and responsibility and negotiating with insurance companies. With multiple parties potentially involved, carefully protecting the interests of crash victims is essential.
Determining fault and liability
One of the first steps in the aftermath of an accident with a delivery truck is to determine who is at fault. In such cases, the truck’s driver, the company that owns the truck and even third-party contractors could all potentially share some liability. If you’ve been in a wreck under these circumstances, know that gathering evidence, such as accident reports and eyewitness accounts, is going to be crucial for establishing fault.
The role of insurance companies
Insurance companies play a pivotal role in the aftermath of an accident involving commercial vehicles. Unlike personal car insurance policies, commercial insurance policies are often complex and involve substantial financial coverage. This complexity can require the assistance of someone who is skilled in negotiations between insurance providers and those involved in injurious crashes.
Medical treatment and costs
Delivery truck accidents often result in serious injuries, necessitating immediate and sometimes ongoing medical treatment. These medical costs can quickly escalate, especially if there is a need for surgery, rehabilitation or long-term care. Documenting all medical procedures and associated costs is crucial when negotiating compensation.
Loss of income and other damages
Beyond medical costs, an accident of this nature can result in loss of income, especially if the injuries sustained make it difficult or impossible to continue working. You may also be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, loss of life quality and other non-economic damages. Again, documentation is essential for addressing lost wages and other impacts on your life.
After a crash, seeking medical care is the priority. Seeking compensation is also an urgent matter because state law limits the time you have to pursue justice in this way. Having a legal professional on your side who can help you navigate this process is critical for these complex cases.