Getting injured in a semi-truck accident is definitely not a normal type of vehicle collision. These big rigs can make things very complex in a case where someone is injured. Since these are such massive vehicles, they have different federal regulations than your average-sized car. In addition, there are many more things that can go wrong with a semi-truck that could be the cause of an incident. These are the things that make it a more complicated case, because there is always the possibility of having more than just the semi driver at fault.Multiple Defendants at Fault
There are many factors that could have caused a semi-truck to collide with another vehicle. Perhaps the driver’s physical condition played a factor, such as if they haven’t had enough rest. It could even be a faulty tire or part on the truck that caused it to malfunction. Plus, the trucking company itself can get involved. Then it can result in at least three defendants in just one case. It will be up to the court to sort out the situation and figure out who is responsible for the accident. It could be just one person, or all three. The court will have to decide who pays what, and how much the damages total.
Getting a Settlement
To make sure that you are being protected and you are taken care of after a truck accident, you will want to make sure that you have a quality lawyer on your side. As you can see with multiple defendants, the case can become quite complicated. An experienced lawyer can help you file a claim and win you a settlement that will hopefully offset some of the discomfort you experienced from the accident.
Not just anyone who has had a collision with a big rig can file a claim. Here are the Minnesota regulations of who can file a claim for a settlement in an automobile accident:
– Medical expenses surpassed $4,000
– You suffer a permanent injury, scar or disfigurement
– You are unable to do normal activities for more than 60 days
– Death, death of a close relative (parent, child or spouse)
When looking for a personal injury attorney experienced in truck-related injury cases, find someone who is local and who has experience with semi collision law. Because semi-trucks have higher federal standards than other automobiles, there are different laws they must follow. Finding an attorney who is well-versed in this type of law will be a great asset for you to receive the settlement that you deserve from your injury. A personal injury attorney is there to help protect your rights. Allow them to guide you through any settlement that you may qualify for.