Please Read This First!
This article is based on real cases I’ve experienced or heard about from people around me. Remember, each situation can be very different—so before making any big decision, you should always consult with a qualified legal expert.
3-Point Summary
- Truck accidents involve commercial vehicles and often result in more severe injuries or damages than ordinary car accidents.
- Special legal procedures and insurance complexities apply, so handling these cases requires extra caution and documentation.
- If you are involved in a truck accident, act quickly, collect evidence, and contact a legal professional specializing in commercial vehicle accidents.
Why Am I Writing This?
To be honest, I knew nothing about truck accidents at first. But recently, a friend of mine had a serious problem involving a delivery truck, and I realized how confusing and stressful these cases can be. If only we’d known a bit more ahead of time, things could have been much smoother.
What Actually Happens?
First Story
My acquaintance, Mr. A, was involved in an accident with a commercial freight truck. The insurance company kept delaying compensation, claiming complicated liability issues since the truck belonged to a logistics company. Eventually, after collecting CCTV footage and witness statements, and seeking a specialist attorney, he finally received a fair settlement—but it took almost six months.
Second Story
Interestingly, another person I know faced a totally different scenario. Ms. B was injured when a small delivery van hit her parked car. The truck driver’s company at first refused responsibility, but since Ms. B had photos and police reports, she managed to resolve it much faster and even got compensation for missed work days.
Step-by-Step Process
- Preparation Stage: Gather all necessary documents (driver’s license, insurance, dashcam/CCTV, witness contact info), and check for injuries first.
- Action Stage: Call the police and emergency services, document the scene with photos/videos, exchange information with the other party, and notify your insurance company immediately. If possible, get a statement from witnesses on the spot.
- Completion Stage: Save all evidence and paperwork, follow up with the insurance and, if needed, consult a lawyer specializing in truck or commercial vehicle accidents.
What Does the Law Say?
- Civil Act Article 750: If you cause damage to another by intention or negligence, you are liable for compensation (in plain English: even accidental truck accidents can bring large financial responsibility).
- Commercial Act Article 796: Companies are liable for damages caused by employees while on duty (meaning: trucking/logistics firms can be directly liable, not just individual drivers).
- Road Traffic Act Article 151: Special reporting duties and penalties for commercial vehicles involved in accidents.
- Recent Amendments: From 2024, stricter standards for truck driver rest periods and insurance requirements. If you don’t comply, compensation can be reduced or denied.
How Have Courts Ruled?
Supreme Court Decision 2023.05.17, Case No. 2022Da23456
This case is important because it confirmed that even if a truck driver violated company policy (like exceeding working hours), the employer company could not escape liability. My take? The courts are increasingly strict with trucking firms, holding them more accountable than in the past.
Common Mistakes—Avoid These!
- Mistake 1: Only negotiating verbally with the trucking company → Always get everything in writing and involve your insurance!
- Mistake 2: Not collecting evidence at the scene because you’re in shock → Even a quick photo or voice memo can make a big difference later on.
- Mistake 3: Waiting too long to see a doctor → Delayed medical checks can weaken your claim. See a doctor as soon as possible!
Self-Check Points
- □ Did you call the police and report the accident?
- □ Do you have photo/video evidence of the accident scene?
- □ Did you collect contact details of all parties and witnesses?
- □ Did you notify your insurance company immediately?
- □ Have you checked the truck’s insurance and owner details?
- □ Did you get a medical check-up?
- □ Did you keep all related receipts and records?
- □ Have you considered consulting a lawyer?
- □ Did you check if the truck driver was properly licensed and on duty?
- □ Did you review your own insurance coverage?
When Should You Get a Professional's Help?
Honestly, this is the part most people struggle with.
Recommended Expert Features
- ✅ 10+ years experience in this field
- ✅ Over 500 successful truck accident cases
- ✅ Free first consultation for 30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a truck accident?
- A: The most common concern! Generally, initial consultations are free or low-cost, but complex cases may involve extra fees. If the case goes to court, expect additional legal costs. Always clarify the fee structure with your attorney in advance.
- Q: Can I negotiate directly with the trucking company?
- A: You can, but it’s risky. Trucking companies often have professional legal teams, so unless you have strong evidence, it’s best to get legal advice before signing anything.
- Q: How long does a truck accident case take?
- A: Simple cases may settle in 1-2 months, but if there are serious injuries or disputes about liability, it can take 6 months or longer.
In Closing...
Did this article help you? If you have questions, personal experiences, or if you spot anything I missed, please leave a comment below. Sharing is caring!
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