An accident between a semi-truck and passenger vehicle carries unique complications. First, tractor-trailer drivers are required to carry proper insurance and adhere to specific regulations on a state and federal level. Also, a truck driver’s insurance policy has a higher limit than the average requirement for a passenger vehicle, because of the costs associated with their accidents.

When a semi-truck injures someone, and the semi-truck driver is at fault, the plaintiff has a better chance of receiving top compensation for their injuries than if they were in an accident with someone else.

State and Federal Regulations Set the Standards

The federal government sets the standards, but also the state. Depending on what states the truck plans to pass through, they may have multiple state laws that they must adhere to. Just some of the regulations set include how much cargo weight the size of the truck may hold, insurance liability limits, and how long a driver can go without taking a day off.

If there is an accident, the personal injury settlement in Hudson Valley may be increased when the driver or their employer violates these regulations. However, the plaintiff carries the burden of proof. That means the plaintiff must prove that the driver or their company violated that statute.

For example, if an accident occurred because of an overtired driver, then the plaintiff’s attorney would pull employment records and drive logs to see how long the driver was operating since their last break. If they broke the federal sleep guidelines, then the driver could be considered liable. Also, if the employer forced the employee to violate the federal laws, then that employer could also be held accountable.

Most Truck Accident Cases Have Multiple Defendants

What makes these types of cases unique and challenging is that there are often multiple parties contributing to a personal injury settlement in Hudson Valley. A semi-truck accident could have one or more defendants, depending on the circumstances of the case.

For example, the overworked driver shares responsibility alongside the manufacturer of the faulty brake system that contributed to the accident. The owner of the truck then also shares liability because they knew the brakes were malfunctioning but did not pay to replace them. Then, the company that maintained the truck knew that it was not in working condition, but released it for business anyway. This scenario has four defendants already listed that could be held liable in an accident claim.

Severity of Injuries Play a Role in the Personal Injury Settlement in Hudson Valley

The amount of compensation a victim receives depends on the extent of their injuries. While trucking companies tend to have deep pockets, that does not mean they must pay full price for minor injuries. If an injury is permanent, such as an amputation, then the plaintiff is likely to receive more in their settlement than a plaintiff with temporary injuries. For example, a rear-end collision with minor injuries may result in a few hundred thousand, but a man who has his leg amputated and can no longer walk or work could receive millions.