Big Trucks Can Mean Big Truck Accident Injury
A truck accident injury can be severe because of the magnitude of damage a truck can cause due to its sheer size and weight. Semi trucks and tractor trailers pose a heightened risk of causing severe damage and extensive injuries, sometimes even resulting in fatalities, and, unfortunately, fatal accidents with large trucks seem to be on the rise.
The size and weight of these colossal vehicles imply that any car, SUV, pickup truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle types involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler are likely to bear the brunt of the impact. The degree of damage and injuries sustained in such accidents typically translates to larger settlements.
You Can Name The Truck Company In A Truck Accident Injury Lawsuit
Another contributing factor to larger payouts in truck accident cases is the ability to name the trucking company as a defendant in a truck accident lawsuit. In contrast, a car vs. car accident lawsuit, you may only be able to name the at-fault driver as the defendant. The rules of evidence even disallow mentioning insurance or an insurance company during the trial.
Juries tend to be more sympathetic to individual defendants than to corporate entities like trucking companies. This sympathy often stems from the belief that trucking companies have deeper pockets than individuals, which influences the jury’s consideration of settlement amounts.
What legal professionals and insurance companies aim to determine when valuing your truck accident injury case is the likely amount a jury would award for your injuries and damages. Given the massive size and intimidating presence of 18-wheelers, people in general (including jurors) tend to favor larger settlements in cases involving these massive vehicles.
Commercial Insurance Policies
Truck companies usually carry commercial insurance policies on their trucks, which almost always have extensive policy limits. In contrast, many automobile owners may lack insurance, and even those who are insured often carry minimal amounts of coverage for an injury victim to claim. The substantial policy limits of commercial trucking insurance policies contribute to the larger payouts seen in truck accident cases.
Speak With a Lousiville Truck Accident Injury Lawyer
Remember, understanding the dynamics behind truck accident injury case settlements is crucial, but nothing replaces the advice of a professional. If you or a loved one have been injured in a trucking accident, substantial compensation may be available. If you’re in Kentucky and have suffered a truck accident injury, remember to consult with a personal injury lawyer to know your legal options and protect your legal rights. All initial consultations are free and you never owe a fee unless we win your case. We handle trucking cases throughout Kentucky, including trucking accidents that occurred in Bardstown, Crestwood, Elizabethtown, La Grange, Middletown, Mount Wshington, Radcliff, Shelbyville, Shepherdsville, and Shively.