A typical fully loaded large commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds or more, while the average vehicle weighs only 3,000 pounds. Due to this size disparity, and the basic laws of physics, any collision between a commercial truck and another vehicle is likely to result in serious, even fatal, injuries.

Such a large-scale accident means there are an increased number of elements, making it harder to pinpoint the guilty party. In a trucking accident, any number of people could be at fault, including:

• the truck driver
• the owner of the truck or trailer
• the person or company that leased the truck or trailer from the owner
• the manufacturer of the vehicle, tires, or other parts that may have contributed to the cause or severity of the accident
• the shipper or loader of the truck’s cargo (in cases involving improper loading)

If you’re involved in a trucking accident:

Take detailed notes of what happened. Include pictures from the accident, any conversations you had with the truck’s driver, the trucking company or your insurance company.

• Keep a record of all hospital and doctor’s visits.
• Hold on to any evidence from the crash that could be helpful during the court case.
• Most importantly, contact an attorney who has experience handling large truck accident cases right away.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a trucking accident, you should never take action on your own. Large trucking companies will use all available resources to minimize liability; drawing out the time it could take for you to receive compensation.

Understanding the complexity of a trucking accident, the players involved and what went wrong requires a lawyer with industry expertise. The Meehan Law Firm understands the intricacies of these accidents and has experience representing victims. Contact The Meehan Law Firm to discuss your case today.

Sources:

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/trucking-accidents-common-causes-liability-30156.html

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/trucking-accidents-driver-error-30029.html

http://injury.findlaw.com/car-accidents/commercial-truck-accidents-faq.html

http://injury.findlaw.com/car-accidents/commercial-truck-accidents-overview.html