Some Box Truck Accidents Are Treated Like Semi-Truck Accidents
Getting compensation after a semi-truck accident is often more difficult than getting compensation after an accident involving another passenger vehicle. However, victims of semi-truck accidents can often receive more money for their losses, due to more parties being liable and because they’re more likely to suffer serious injuries that require more compensation.
When box trucks are involved in crashes, the compensation claims that victims file may be similar to semi-truck accident claims, especially when a few criteria are met:
- They weigh at least 26,001 pounds: When box trucks weigh at least this much, they can only be driven by drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). Drivers with CDLs must follow more rules and regulations than drivers with ordinary licenses, which opens them up to more liability after crashes.
- They are used for interstate commerce: When box trucks are used to transport goods from one state to another, they must receive USDOT Numbers. These numbers mean that the vehicles are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines, which means that the truck owners and companies have more responsibilities and duties.
- They are carrying hazardous materials: Trucks that weigh less than 26,001 pounds and that don’t cross state lines may still be subject to strict rules and regulations if they’re used to haul hazardous materials and cargo.
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving a box truck, you should contact an experienced Roanoke truck accident lawyer at Skolrood Law Firm right away. Depending on the type of truck involved in the crash, you may be eligible for significant compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Truck Accident Lawyers Must Be Familiar With Federal Laws
When two or more vehicles collide in Virginia, state laws come into play when determining who is at fault. But when a semi-truck crashes into a passenger vehicle in Virginia, both state laws AND federal laws may come into play. That’s because the trucking industry is regulated by an arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
State laws dictate things like speed limits and distracted driving guidelines, while federal laws dictate many aspects of semi-trucks. They include oversight for driver rest requirements, maximum load limits, maintenance schedules, and more. Unfortunately, these laws are often broken by people and parties in the trucking industry to increase profits and shorten times between deliveries.
The involvement of federal laws and guidelines means that lawyers who handle truck accident claims must have significant knowledge of the law to maximize their clients’ chances of success. When law firms are only familiar with state laws, they may miss many examples of truck drivers, companies, or owners being negligent and therefore liable for any damages that crashes cause.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident, don’t trust just any law firm with your financial recovery. Trust the experienced Roanoke truck accident lawyers at Skolrood Law Firm with your claim. We’ve built many successful truck accident claims for innocent victims like you, and we know what it takes to win. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Truck Accident Injury Claims Require Intense Preparation and Negotiation
When semi-trucks are involved in crashes with passenger vehicles, the consequences can be significant. Not only are the people in the vehicles they collide with likely to suffer serious injuries, but the roads these crashes occur on may be shutdown for hours. That’s because complex investigations often need to occur after semi-truck crashes, especially when they happen on state highways and federal interstates.
Just as these crashes must be carefully investigated by the authorities, they also must be carefully investigated by injury lawyers representing victims. That’s because truck accidents can result in huge expenses for victims, and multiple parties may share the blame for the crashes occurring.
When law firms churn through truck accident claims for quick paydays, they either end up getting their requests denied or their clients end up getting far too little money. At Skolrood Law Firm, we understand and respect the enormity of semi-truck crashes and the challenges of winning them.
We know that insurance companies are more likely to fight back after semi-truck accidents due to the amount of money involved, and we’re well prepared for these battles. However, not all firms share this philosophy or willingness to go to war on behalf of their clients. As soon as they see “daylight” in a case, they take what they can get to move onto the next case.
When you get our Roanoke truck accident lawyers, you’ll get a law firm that will stand by you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out how we can help.
