Accidents & Claims

Accidents and claims are an unavoidable part of life, especially in the trucking industry. As a responsible driver, you need to be aware of the accident and claim process to protect your livelihood and the safety of those around you. 

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of accidents and claims you may encounter on the road and explain how to handle them to avoid costly consequences.

Types of Accidents

Several accidents can occur when you’re behind the wheel, ranging from minor incidents to major collisions. The most common types of accidents include:

Rear-end Collisions

This type of collision occurs when your vehicle is struck from behind. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents and can occur in various situations. They are often caused by driver inattention, texting or talking on cell phones, following too closely, tailgating, and other distractions.

The intensity of rear-end collisions can vary greatly, from a minor tap to an extensive crash. Regardless of the impact, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your vehicle after a rear-end collision.

Front-end Collisions

Front-end collisions occur when your vehicle strikes another vehicle or object in front of it. These collisions are typically more severe than rear-end collisions and may cause serious injuries, property damage, and death. 

Common causes of front-end collisions include distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Types of Accident Claims

When you’re involved in an accident, it is essential to understand the different types of claims available and how they can help protect your interests. The most common types of accident claims are as follows:

Property Damage Claims

Property damage claims cover the cost of repairing or replacing property that has been damaged in an accident. This could include vehicle repair costs, the replacement of items inside the vehicle, or repairs to buildings or other structures. 

Most insurance companies will pay for the repairs to your vehicle but may require you to pay a deductible before they cover the repair cost.

Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury claims are designed to compensate someone injured in an accident. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. These claims are typically paid out to the injured party by the at-fault party’s insurance company in the accident.

Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims are filed when a person’s death is caused by another person’s negligence or intentional act. These claims are designed to compensate the deceased’s family for their loss. This could include funeral expenses, loss of wages, and other related costs.

Product Liability Claims

Product liability claims seek to compensate someone injured by a defective product. These claims are designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs incurred due to the use of the defective product.

Average Accident Claims Compensation Amounts

The compensation you can receive from an accident claim depends on various factors. Although no two cases are the same, some guidelines can help determine what to expect regarding a payout.

When it comes to trucking accidents, the average amount of compensation can vary greatly depending on things like the location and severity of the incident.

Understanding Accident Fault and Liability

When you get into an accident, it is essential to determine who is at fault. In trucking accidents, most liability will usually fall on the driver, including cases where a third party was involved. The degree of fault assigned to each party will then determine the amount of financial compensation that can be awarded in an accident claim.

Factors That Affect Average Compensation

Many factors can affect the average compensation you receive when it comes to trucking accidents. These factors include:

Location

The location of the accident can have a significant impact on the amount of compensation you receive. The amount awarded for an accident can vary drastically depending on the state laws and regulations.

Severity of Injuries

If there are significant physical injuries or emotional damages, the compensation amount will likely be higher.

Medical Expenses

The medical bills associated with an accident can add up quickly and affect the compensation you receive.

Loss of Earnings

The compensation could be higher if you could not work due to the accident.

Property Damage

If there was extensive damage to property caused by the trucking accident, the amount of compensation could increase.

Negligence

If either party is found to be negligent in their actions leading up to the accident, this could affect the overall compensation they receive.

By understanding these factors, you can better understand what to expect when it comes to accident compensation.