Common Causes Of Commercial Vehicle AccidentsTruck accidents often result from various forms of negligence. The most common one may be driver fatigue. Truck drivers are paid based on the miles they drive and the speed of their deliveries, leading some to push beyond the legal limits set by transportation codes regarding rest. This can result in tired, inattentive drivers, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Faulty equipment is another major contributing factor to commercial vehicle accidents. The Department of Transportation enforces stringent requirements for truck maintenance and safety, and trucks must undergo regular inspections. In Maryland, the State Police have dedicated units specifically for inspecting trucks due to the severe injuries they can cause if not properly maintained. Issues like faulty brakes or inadequate visibility due to poor compliance with conspicuity requirements can lead to devastating accidents.
Truck accidents are distinct from typical car accidents by the dramatically more severe consequences, involvement of multiple vehicles, greater scope of damages, and unique operational factors that they encompass. These differences often lead to horrendous situations, making handling truck accident cases more challenging.
Firstly, the type of cargo that trucks transport can significantly exacerbate an accident’s consequences. Hazardous materials, heavy loads, or oversized cargo can all lead to catastrophic outcomes that wouldn’t typically occur in a standard car accident.
Secondly, truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles. Unlike a simple rear-end collision between two cars, an accident with a truck can create a chain reaction, involving several other vehicles due to the sheer size and momentum of the truck.
The scope of damages is also typically greater in truck accidents. Trucks can cause more extensive property damage and more severe injuries or fatalities due to their size and weight. This, in turn, impacts liability, making it more complex to determine fault and responsibility.
Another significant difference lies in how trucks operate, especially their braking systems. Most 18-wheelers use air brake systems, which are notably different from the disc brake systems found in standard cars.
Proving liability in a truck or commercial vehicle accident requires gathering a diverse range of evidence, often more extensive and detailed than in standard car accidents. Here’s a closer look at some of the crucial types of evidence:
Trucking companies are required to maintain detailed logs of their vehicles’ inspections and repairs. These logs can reveal if a truck was properly maintained and if any mechanical issues could have contributed to the accident. In some ways, this evidence is more important than photos.
Photographs taken at the scene are invaluable since they capture the immediate aftermath of the accident and show the position of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and damage. However, for truck accidents, photos of the truck itself, especially close-ups of specific parts, can be especially critical.
Accident reconstruction experts play a vital role in these cases, too. They analyze all gathered evidence, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and other physical indicators, to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident. Their expertise can help clarify complex scenarios and establish fault in especially complicated cases.
Modern vehicles, including trucks, are often equipped with various recording devices:
Newer trucks and cars, like Teslas, for example, come equipped with advanced data recording systems. These systems capture detailed information about vehicle performance and driver actions, such as speed, acceleration, and braking.
Collecting and analyzing this evidence helps build a strong case for proving liability. It allows for a clear narrative of the events leading up to the accident, demonstrating how and why the crash occurred, which is essential for convincing insurance companies or a jury.
Monty Yolles, attorney at The Yolles Legal Group in Maryland, brings skilled representation to the complex world of commercial vehicle accidents. Having successfully navigated high-stakes truck accident cases, Monty understands the unique challenges these incidents present, from proving liability to handling specialized insurance claims. His deep knowledge of truck accident cases and proven track record in advocating for clients’ rights make him exceptionally qualified to address these issues.
For guidance tailored to your situation, contact The Yolles Legal Group today to schedule a consultation and ensure your case is handled with the care it deserves.
Commercial insurance policies are distinctly different from personal auto insurance policies in several key ways. You’ll need to understand these differences when you’ve been involved in an accident involving a commercial vehicle.
Many large companies choose to self-insure, either completely or up to a certain amount. This means that instead of purchasing traditional insurance, they set aside funds to cover potential claims. In these cases, there might not be an insurance policy involved initially, lending itself to the company handling the claim directly.
Commercial insurance policies typically have much higher coverage limits compared to personal auto policies. This is because commercial vehicles, especially large trucks, can cause significantly more damage and incur higher costs in an accident. Higher limits ensure adequate coverage for potential claims involving severe injuries or extensive property damage.
Adjusters handling commercial insurance claims often have more experience and specialized knowledge compared to those dealing with personal auto claims. They are familiar with the circumstances unique to commercial vehicle accidents and are better equipped to assess and manage these cases. In contrast, personal insurance adjusters, like from your local State Farm branch dealing with minor injuries, might lack any amount of authority and have less expertise.
For more information on Personal Injury Claims For Trucking Accidents, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (301) 670-0443Â today.
Monty Yolles, attorney at The Yolles Legal Group in Maryland, brings skilled representation to the complex world of commercial vehicle accidents. Having successfully navigated high-stakes truck accident cases, Monty understands the unique challenges these incidents present, from proving liability to handling specialized insurance claims. His deep knowledge of truck accident cases and proven track record in advocating for clients’ rights make him exceptionally qualified to address these issues.
For guidance tailored to your situation, contact The Yolles Legal Group today to schedule a consultation and ensure your case is handled with the care it deserves.
