When it comes to motor vehicle accidents and filing a claim for compensation, are all types of motor vehicle crash claims the same? In other words, if you are involved in a collision caused by a negligent car driver, should you handle the case the same way as if you are involved in a large truck crash?
There are many elements of a car and truck claim that are similar, but there are some that are different. I want to tell you more about some of the similarities and differences between car and truck accident claims. In the following examples, I am presuming that you were an occupant of a smaller motor vehicle, and that you were involved in a crash with either another car driver or a driver of a large truck like an 18-wheeler.
You Can File a First-Party Insurance Claim Through Your Own Insurance
In both car and truck accident cases, an injured motorist can file either a first-party claim through his or her own insurance under Ohio’s auto insurance law or a third-party claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If you file a first-party claim, the process will not be much different whether you were injured by a car or a large semi-truck.
However, if you want to file a third-party claim, then it is important to know that you may be looking at very different insurance policies. Regular automobile drivers in Ohio must carry minimum amounts of liability insurance, which include $25,000 per person in an accident, $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 per accident.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires large trucks to carry much more insurance, often $750,000 liability coverage for an accident. While it can be more difficult to prove liability in a third-party truck insurance case, you may be eligible to receive full compensation for your losses, whereas a third-party claim involving another car driver could result in insurance limits preventing you from receiving full compensation.
More Parties May Be at Fault in a Truck Crash
While a car driver is typically the at-fault party in a collision caused by driver error, multiple parties may be liable for injuries in a truck accident. Not only can the truck driver be accountable, but the truck owner and trucking company may also be liable. Depending upon the reason for the truck collision, the company that loaded the truck or maintained the truck may also be liable.
Often it is more beneficial for a plaintiff to be able to file a claim against a party with deep pockets, like a truck company (as opposed to just an individual driver) since there is a better chance for a bigger settlement.
Call Me Today for Help with Your Case
While collisions involving at-fault drivers in large trucks or passenger vehicles have many similarities, they also have a number of differences. In many truck accident cases, the injured plaintiff may be able to file a claim against more than one party and may be eligible for a bigger immediate payout if a truck company with deep pockets is responsible.
I want to make sure you get the compensation you deserve whether you were injured in a truck crash or a car collision. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office today at 877.944.4373
