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What Makes Truck Accident Cases More Complex Than Car Accident Cases In Arkansas?

  • By: Bradley Mullins, Esq.
Truck and car accident in Arkansas, complex personal injury case.

In this article, you will discover:

  • What critical evidence needs to be collected after a truck crash in Arkansas.
  • How truck accident damage calculations differ from car accident damages.
  • The importance of black box data in truck accidents.

How Do Multiple Insurance Policies Complicate Truck Accident Claims?

In a trucking accident claim, there are many moving parts. There may be insurance from the driver and the carrier, as well as an umbrella policy. An experienced car accident attorney can make sure all insurance companies with policies that may provide coverage are put on notice. Your attorney will preserve evidence and make sure you get the full compensation you deserve by coordinating and maximizing each policy.

What Critical Evidence Should I Collect After A Truck Crash?

Critical evidence to collect after a truck crash in Arkansas includes:

  • Driver logs
  • Payload logs that show what the driver was hauling
  • Event data recorders
  • How long the driver was on the road
  • Whether the driver took the appropriate break
  • Whether the truck was properly loaded or overloaded
  • Whether the driver’s certifications were up-to-date

You can collect a lot of crucial evidence in the initial stages of investigating a trucking accident that can help your claim later on unless that evidence is no longer available, destroyed or hidden. An experienced car accident attorney can ensure evidence is preserved so that it can help you later.

How Are Truck Accident Damages Calculated Differently From Car Accident Claims?

The damages in a trucking accident are usually much higher than car-versus-car. Because a semi-truck, truck or trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, there’s a lot more potential for damages. That means settlements and jury verdicts are generally higher.

Also, if your case doesn’t settle and goes to the jury trial phase, you are likely to get more sympathy from a jury if a semi-truck hits you. Jurors understand that’s a terrifying experience and can empathize with somebody who’s been in such a serious accident.

Why Is Hiring A Lawyer With Trucking Accident Experience Crucial?

If an attorney doesn’t have experience in trucking accidents, trucking claims and trucking litigation, they’re not going to know what to look for. The experienced attorneys at Mullins & Blake know how to obtain the early evidence that could disappear, such as the event data logs or up-to-date proof of training, certifications and renewals.

There’s so much evidence that disappears with time. If you don’t know how to get that evidence and get it early on, your case can be negatively affected when it comes time to settle or take it in front of a jury.

Why Are Black Box Data Or Driver Logs Important To My Case?

Black box data or driver logs are not the first thought you have when you’re recovering from the trauma, injuries and lost work associated with a major trucking accident. Yet that evidence will help prove liability and keep the trucking company, their driver and their insurance company adjusters from shifting blame to avoid paying what they owe you.

It’s crucial to collect the black box or data recorder that shows in computerized form what happened, how the wreck occurred, and maybe what could have been done to prevent it. While that may not be foremost in your mind, it needs to be in your attorney’s mind to preserve future rights in your case.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on why truck accidents are more complex than car accidents in Arkansas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (479) 337-7077 today.