Semi-truck collisions are often devastating for the occupants of any smaller vehicles involved. When a crash occurs between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, the smaller vehicle may no longer be safe to drive because of the damage generated.
The occupants of the vehicle could sustain permanent injuries that produce medical expenses and diminish their earning potential. The people involved in a semi-truck crash are often unsure of what steps to take next.
Even in cases where it is clear that the large truck was the vehicle to blame for the wreck, the parties affected by the crash may feel uncertain about how to proceed. They may dislike the idea of taking action against a commercial driver and causing long-term financial harm for that professional.
Who usually pays for the costs generated in a crash between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle?
A transportation company is usually liable
It is common for people to feel a degree of empathy for the commercial driver involved in a semi-truck collision. Even if they obviously made a mistake, the other parties involved in the wreck may not want to hold them personally accountable for the consequences of the crash.
Thankfully, it is uncommon for drivers to be solely and fully responsible for the cost of a semi-truck collision. Instead, liability typically passes to their employers. Vicarious liability laws make businesses responsible for the negligence of their workers.
If an employee makes a mistake that causes other people harm, the company that hired them may have to cover the costs generated in the incident. Typically, commercial transportation companies offset crash expenses by carrying commercial insurance.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires large insurance policies on commercial vehicles. Transportation companies usually have at least $750,000 in liability coverage on a semi-truck, if not more than that because the company regularly hauls dangerous materials.
Insurance claims can quickly become messy
While higher levels of insurance coverage can theoretically be beneficial for those involved in a crash, they can also make the pursuit of compensation more difficult. Insurance adjusters tend to be quite aggressive about settling claims that could lead to higher payouts.
They may also go to great lengths to try to hold an individual motorist accountable for a crash that involved a commercial truck. The injured party needs to file a lawsuit against the transportation company or negotiate with insurance providers. In many cases, they may need help securing the best possible outcome.
Learning more about who is liable can be helpful for those involved in commercial truck collisions. Obtaining professional support can make a major difference for those hoping to rebuild their lives after a devastating semi-truck crash.