Semi-truck collisions have the potential to create life changing and sometimes life ending results. These types of collisions can be the most complex cases of all injury cases.

There is an entire body of law that applies to some, but not all, big-rig trucks on the roads today. Those laws are called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and were created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These laws are in addition to the state laws that a trucking company would be subject to as well. They cover a wide-range of topics including limitations on cell phone usage in trucks while driving, to the duties a truck driver must perform at various intervals before and during a trip for hire.

One reason semi-truck collisions are so different is simply due to the physics of the trucks themselves. Big rigs can easily haul 80,000 pounds as they drive down the road! Whether the truck was loaded, unloaded or partially loaded plays a big factor in your case. The stopping distances change for all of these scenarios, and most of the time a physicist or accident reconstructionist must be utilized to fully understand the facts of the case.

The damages and injuries created by a semi-truck are often catastrophic. Because damages are so devastating, tractor-trailers are required to have more insurance coverage than your average car or truck. Cars are mandated in many states to carry at least $25,000 in coverage, while semi- trucks are required to carry $1,000,000.

With all of this in mind, companies that insure trucking companies often give special instructions to the truckers to contact the crash team immediately after a crash. That crash team has one goal in mind: To find any reason or excuse to say that it was not the trucker’s fault. For this reason, anyone involved in crash with a semi-truck needs to immediately contact an injury attorney, so all facts can be examined and preserved to determine whom is responsible for the crash.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck crash, contact our office immediately. There are a number of parties, including the truck driver and their employer(s), who could be liable for your losses. With our extensive knowledge and experience, we fight to make sure you are compensated from all parties responsible.

Contact our office today to set up your free consultation.