You may be familiar with what to expect next in a car accident. However, semi-truck accidents are a
completely different beast. Because of most commercial trucks’ size, crash injuries are often
more severe, and the legal aftermath can be much more complicated.
Severity of Semi-Truck Accidents
When a car and truck are involved in an accident, a vehicle that weighs between 2,000 and
4,000 pounds will be pitted against a truck that can weigh up to ten times as much. Basic
physics provides that the heavier vehicle will deliver greater force in the impact.
Unfortunately, the car passengers in this situation are likely to suffer severe injuries, including
death or permanent disabilities, regardless of the accident’s cause.
Such serious injuries result in steep financial costs and more significant insurance claims or
lawsuits. In a wrongful death suit, family members often claim all of the deceased person’s
future income, as well as financial damages for the loss of that person’s care, love, and
assistance. Meanwhile, in the case of permanent disability, the injured person may claim all past
and future medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering and the impact on their quality of life.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident
It’s essential to follow the correct steps to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries and
cover all costs. Generally, you only have one chance to bring legal action and prove your case
in court, so it’s a good idea to consult an attorney who has experience truck accident cases.
Should you go to court, you’ll need to provide evidence to support your claims. While some
evidence may be straightforward, other evidence requires extensive research, witness
interviews, expert testimony and economic impact evaluations. Experienced personal injury
attorneys typically hire experts to calculate expected lifetime earnings, conduct witness
interviews, review truck black box data and employee records, and more to build a solid case.
Truck accident lawsuits are a longer and more expensive process than car accidents, so the
victim must take every step to protect their financial future.
Hire An Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident, we can help you get the
justice you deserve. Contact Saladino & Schaaf today or call us at 270-444-0406 (Paducah
Office) or 270-753-1529 (Murray Office) to schedule a free consultation. You may be entitled to
compensation for your injuries, but the clock is ticking.