Tractor-trailers are large vehicles that can cause a substantial amount of damage. A passenger car that is struck by a truck can be completely destroyed as a result, and you might suffer catastrophic injuries as a result of the accident. If the truck driver is at fault, you might wonder how much you are entitled to in compensation.
Why Commercial Vehicle Insurance Is Different
Tractor-trailers and other large trucks fall under the category of commercial vehicles. These large trucks are insured by companies that specialize in covering commercial vehicles and they tend to have much higher policy limits.
A commercial vehicle insurance provider will offer liability insurance to a truck driver that will cover the damage done to your car, your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To receive compensation, you will need to prove that the truck driver was responsible for your injuries and that you were actually injured.
What Determines the Size of Your Settlement
If the truck driver is clearly at fault, the size of your settlement will largely be based on the ability of your tractor-trailer accident lawyer to prove that you were injured and the extent of your injuries. The process of proving damages can be very complicated, and you are likely to receive a smaller settlement if you aren't working with a lawyer.
One of the complications of a truck accident case is that your injuries are likely to be more permanent. If you are expected to recover from your injuries, it might take longer than if you were trying to recover from injuries caused by a car accident. Therefore, you'll need to wait until you know the full extent of your injuries before you can know how much you will be entitled to in compensation.
The Policy Limit
If your damages are very high, your compensation might end up being the policy limit of the insurance provider. Like with other insurance policies, a commercial truck insurance policy has a maximum amount that they will pay out. However, the cap can also vary depending on the weight of the vehicle and whether or not it transports oil or hazardous materials.
A truck company will often choose minimum coverage. However, if your damages are greater than what is covered by the insurance policy, you will still be able to receive compensation for your injuries by suing the trucking company directly. Your tractor-trailer accident lawyer will help you pursue a settlement from the trucking company and they will also represent you in court if your case goes to trial.
Contact a truck accident lawyer to learn more.
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