Should you speak with the trucking company’s representatives after a crash?
No, because trucking companies and their insurers deploy experienced representatives to crash scenes to gather information that protects their interests. You are not required to speak with them, provide a recorded statement, or cooperate with their investigation in any way. Direct all contact from the carrier or its representatives to your attorney immediately.
How long does it typically take to resolve a truck crash claim?
These claims are among the most complex personal injury cases due to the extensive investigation, expert involvement, and litigation required. Claims involving serious injuries, multiple defendants, and a carrier with substantial insurance coverage can take one to three years to resolve. However, some cases settle more quickly when the evidence is clear and the carrier’s […]
What if I was a passenger in a vehicle struck by a commercial truck?
Passengers injured in truck crashes have the same right to pursue compensation as the driver of the vehicle. They are often in a stronger legal position because fault analysis does not implicate their driving. An attorney should evaluate all available insurance sources, including the truck carrier’s policy and the policies of the vehicle you were […]
Can I pursue a claim if the truck driver was an independent contractor rather than an employee?
Yes. Trucking companies often try to classify drivers as independent contractors to limit their liability. However, courts and regulators look at the actual nature of the working relationship rather than the label applied to it. Carriers that exercise significant control over how a driver operates may be found vicariously liable, regardless of the contractor designation. […]
In terms of insurance, how is a truck crash claim different from a car crash claim?
Commercial trucking companies are required to carry substantially higher liability insurance minimums than passenger vehicle drivers. Federal minimums range from $750,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the type of cargo hauled. These higher limits exist because commercial vehicles can cause greater harm. They also mean that the insurance company defending the claim has far more resources […]