A major size discrepancy is one of the most concerning risk factors in modern motor vehicle collisions. When a very large vehicle collides with a particularly small one, the smaller vehicle often bears the brunt of the damage. The occupants of that vehicle are also at elevated risk of serious injury or death.
In this context, it is easy to understand why semi-truck crashes are so frightening. These massive vehicles are so much bigger than passenger vehicles but they can cause the complete destruction of a car, truck or SUV with relative ease. However, many people with obvious injuries caused by a collision when the operator of a semi-truck was at fault could find themselves fighting an uphill battle while seeking appropriate compensation.
The companies involved have more to lose
Most liability insurance requirements exist on a state-by-state basis. However, the requirements for commercial trucks come directly from federal authorities and apply to every state in the country. A large truck that weighs 10,001 pounds or more will typically need to have at least $750,000 worth of liability coverage. Certain situations, such as hauling dangerous materials, might lead to even more mandatory coverage than that.
Having a large policy available is deceptive, as it may lead people to think that they will have an easy time getting coverage. Unfortunately, people often discover that the opposite is true. Commercial transportation companies often want to avoid liability for crashes, and the companies that insure them will often fight to minimize what they pay on sizable claims.
Individuals attempting to negotiate on their own they find themselves up against a team of attorneys making statements that feel threatening or overwhelming. The average person may have a hard time determining what an appropriate amount of compensation would be, let alone successfully negotiating for that amount during a commercial crash claim.
All too often, people accept lowball settlements that won’t fully cover their medical costs and lost wages. Those who suffer injuries in a commercial vehicle collision and those who lose a loved one in a crash caused by a semi-truck may, therefore, benefit from seeking legal guidance to get the full amount of compensation they need based on the extent of their losses.