Heavy-truck collisions are not uncommon. And semi-trucks have been in a majority of these accidents. As of 2014 there were 1.6 million heavy trucks in the U.S.. With just over one million of those being semi-trucks.
If you got yourself into an accident with a semi-truck, your career could be at risk without the help of an attorney. After all, the implications of these types of collisions often extend far beyond a minor fender bender and into personal liability issues which involve your profession directly.
Read on to discover why you should hire an attorney after a semi-truck collision if you’re a truck driver or considering becoming one soon.
How Semi-Truck Collisions Can Affect Your Career
A semi-truck injury can affect your career in several ways. Depending on your level of injury and any need for rehab or other treatments, you may not be able to return to work at all.
While workers’ compensation benefits are generally available for injuries as a result of working during your employment, they are only applicable if you’re employed. If there are no witnesses to the accident, you’re at fault. And your insurance company chooses to deny your claim or replace it with a less generous policy. You could face financial ruin due to the inability to work and earn a living.
If you were uninsured or underinsured at the time of the collision, the injured victims may not be compensated at all. Visit https://www.ckflaw.com to make sure you understand fully your situation after accident and can figure out the best course of action.
Licensing and Certification Issues
Heavy truck and commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders are subject to a high standard of care on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for setting and maintaining these standards and provides a method for investigating and resolving cases of driver misconduct.
As a truck driver, you must be able to meet these standards at all times, regardless of the situation. However, semi-truck collisions often result in a situation where the other party is at fault. While you may desperately wish to help the injured parties in these situations, you must remain in your truck until the other parties have been fully assisted.
Once the injured parties are out of danger, you are permitted to exit your truck and provide assistance. But only if you can do so safely.
Criminal Liability Issues
If you choose to exit your truck and render aid, you may be putting yourself at risk of criminal charges. While each state has its laws, most require first responders to meet specific criteria before leaving their vehicles to render aid or investigate an accident.
And if you were inattentive or driving carelessly before the collision, you may have to face charges. While you are unlikely to face any criminal liability issues related to a minor fender bender, serious collisions often result in a police investigation.
If this investigation reveals that you were inattentive or otherwise driving carelessly before the collision, you may be at risk of criminal charges.
Civil Liability Issues for Truck Drivers
Victims of semi-truck collisions often have no recourse against the truck driver or trucking company. But only if they are uninsured or underinsured. Many truck drivers don’t carry enough insurance to cover the damages from even a minor collision.
Even if you carry the required amount of insurance. The damages from the collision may exceed your coverage amount by a significant amount. This will leave you with a large bill to pay out of pocket.
Your policy may also provide coverage for you in the event of injury during your job. But not for injuries sustained while rendering aid to victims of accidents.
Conclusion
Heavy-truck collisions often result in serious injuries and fatalities. And truck drivers may be more responsible for damages even if they were not at fault. If you happened to be in a semi-truck collision. Or know someone who has, you need to hire an attorney as soon as possible.
Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to seek compensation for your damages. But this is unlikely without the help of a qualified attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights. And they can assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve from the responsible parties.
