Multi-vehicle accidents involving both passenger cars and commercial trucks present unique challenges. These cases can become complicated because of the different regulations and potential liabilities.
Figuring out who’s responsible
One of the biggest challenges in multi-vehicle accidents is figuring out who is at fault. When an accident involves a commercial truck, several parties could be responsible. These might include the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, and other car drivers. Each party might try to shift the blame, making it hard to determine who is really at fault.
Dealing with different rules
Commercial trucks must follow both federal and state rules, which can affect how a case turns out, like the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. For instance, truck drivers are generally limited to driving a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour workday, followed by a mandatory 10-hour off-duty period.
Truck drivers have to follow rules about the maintenance of their vehicles. For example, 49 CFR § 396.13 mandates that drivers complete a pre-trip inspection before every trip. They have to check key safety components and document any issues that the company needs to fix before the vehicle is safe. These rules are different from those for passenger cars.
Complicated insurance claims
Insurance claims in these cases can also be tricky. Commercial trucks usually have higher insurance coverage because of the potential for serious damage and injuries. However, insurance companies may vigorously defend against claims. Those injured might find it hard to negotiate personal injury settlements, especially when they involve multiple insurance companies.
Understanding the bigger picture
Dealing with multi-vehicle accidents involving trucks and cars shows how important it is to understand the legal issues involved. Individuals must remember that serious accidents can lead to complex legal challenges, making thorough investigation essential.