Trucking companies are liable for the actions of the driver. This can immensely cause major issues within the company, the driver as well as the other people involved in the accident. According to trucking accident statistics recorded by policyadvice.net, 74% of fatal passenger vehicle accidents tend to include large trucks.
This says a lot about how often trucking accidents tend to occur and how many encounters work trucks have with other cars that are on the road. If you or someone that you know has recently been involved in a work-related vehicle accident, then stick around for what we’ve got to say. We’ll cover the next steps after the fact as well as what to do when a work truck accident happens.
If you witnessed a work truck accident, the first step to do is to call 9-1-1. Report what just happened and tell the dispatcher everything that’s going on with both drivers behind the wheel. Check their well-being, and make sure that they’re okay. Do what you can before help arrives on the scene. Get or state as much information as possible about both drivers. What did you see before you? What’s happening? These are a couple of example questions you should ask yourself as you make the call.
As for truck drivers involved in a work truck-related accident, it’s best to prepare yourself with what’s to come. Liability is the main factor in situations like this. You want to keep that in mind, and also be aware of taking responsibility for the damages that happened in the accident. For starters, negligence would be used against you in court if the accident were to go on trial. However, most of the time, out-of-court settlements tend to be more common than you would think. Negligence and reckless driving are a couple of great examples of direct results that a truck driver can be liable for. The next step once the accident occurs is compensation for injuries minor or fatal.
One of the many downsides that can happen for truck drivers getting involved in work-related accidents is the invalidation of personal insurance. Yes, you read that correctly. Not being honest about your past within the last five years with your insurance provider can take its toll, especially for your own insurance. Depending on the accident, liability can also work in many alternatives. The truck driver in the situation doesn’t always end up being the only one liable, but rather cars that could have potentially caused the accident altogether.
Compensation needs to occur after a settlement has been reached between both parties. Receiving a decent offer in a settlement case is a faster way to completing the compensation process for the victims involved. Moreover, it’s up to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to determine how your case will pan out in the end. The determination of fate can go a long way with the DOT, especially when it involves work trucks that are a valuable asset to a trucking company.