What are the major differences between car accidents and truck accidents?

Obviously, getting into an accident with a huge 18-wheeler can lead to much more of an impact. Some of the trucks on the road can weigh over 80,000 pounds. A collision between a big rig and any car, truck or SUV can lead to deadly consequences. More importantly however, truckers and their companies are required to follow strict rules set forth by the vehicle code sections. If these rules aren't followed it can make the case for the plaintiff easier to win.

How is the government making the roads safer?

The trucking companies are required to follow regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Truck drivers must keep a driver's log of all the hours they drove. They are not alllowed to driver more than 11 hours straight and they have to take a 10 hour break after 14 hours of duty. Truckers can't drive more than 60 hours a week.

There is no doubt that trucking accidents lead to larger settlements. Not only because the injuries tend to be more serious, but because trucking companies are required to carry large insurance policies. The amount they are requried to keep depends on what they are hauling and it is designed to be able to cover injured parties for all their damages.

Are trucking companies required to follow more safety laws?

Yes. Certain laws have been put in place over the years to protect people from negligent truck drivers. For example, truckers are only allowed to drive so many hours until they must take a break, there are weight requirements for their cargo and they are can't drive at unsafe speeds.

How much compensation can I recover in a truck accident case?

The amount you can recover depends on your injuries and medical expenses. Plaintiffs can recover for pain and suffering, lost income for both the past and future along with medical expenses. Punitive damages are also possible in certain cases depending on how reckless the conduct of the defendant was.

Who pays for my medical bills if I'm injured in a truck accident?

In most cases the trucking company won't immediately pay your medical bills. Your insurance company will pay for the damages and then later get refunded from the defendant's insurance company. It is really important that you do not give a statement to anyone, including the trucking company and insurance company. Anything you say can be used to later impeach you in a trial, so it's important to get an attorney ASAP that can speak for you. The less you say, the less they can use against you. What you say can certainly limit your recovery.

Should I hire an attorney if I am injured in a truck accident case?

Absolutely. The insurance companies are hoping you don't hire an attorney so they can talk you into a quick settlement. These companies are happy to take money from clients, but when it comes to paying it out, they will fight you tooth and nail. They aren't in business to give money back so they will do what they can to give you the least amount possible. It is important to hire an experienced Modesto truck accident attorney at the Law Office of Ben Roberts. Our job is to establish that the insurance companies are at fault for you injuries and we do that by collecting all the evidence and documenting liability.