Hausmann McNally

How to Get Your Vehicle Fixed or Replaced, Free of lawyerʼs Fees

When one of our lawyers represents you on your injury claim, you will be charged nothing for getting your vehicle repaired or replaced by the opposing party’s insurance — as well as an interim rental vehicle — and we fight for your rights to the full extent permitted by policy coverages and the law.

Trucking Accidents Pose Unique Problems

Trucking accidents are different than other vehicle accidents because of the laws that govern the trucking industry. For instance, Federal regulations require trucking firms to maintain logbooks in which the driver records important information, but only for a limited time. The truck driver’s log may be destroyed shortly after the accident if your attorney does not obtain a court order to retain the evidence.

Likewise, most long-haul trucks contain a “black box” that records operating information like speed, duration, and other important data. This data must be seized timely after an accident, before it can be erased or over-recorded.

Know Your Legal Rights

The driver of the truck that hit you works for a big company, one that likely has a big insurance company behind it. Their claims adjusters began to protect the trucking company’s interests right after your accident. They have already started to collect evidence to defend or minimize your claim. The trucking company’s lawyers will do everything they can to encourage you to settle quickly because trucking companies know that if you have an attorney who understands trucking accidents, you are more likely to receive a substantially larger settlement.

Truck Driver Fitness and Truck Safety Regulations

Books are thick with descriptions of rules and regulations governing driver awareness and fatigue issues. Volumes have been written on truck and trailer safety, from proper lighting and reflector usage to weight limits and load distribution.

A manufacturing defect in a truck model or one of its component parts may prompt a National Highway Traffic Safety Commission product recall, where the manufacturer of the part may be the liable party.

We are familiar with Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) and Department of Transportation (DOT) laws governing driver qualification standards, and truck and trailer safety compliance, as well as National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSC) automobile and truck defective product recalls.

They Will Try to Confuse You

Over-the-road trucks must carry multiple levels of insurance coverage, depending on the nature of the materials in the truck. A third party may supply pallets and shipping supplies that may lead to potential liability in shifting load accidents.

Further, ownership of the truck may not be with the hauling company. Multiple leasing arrangements can further confuse someone trying to file a claim. The hauler and the leasing companies may spend months or years arguing which insurance company is responsible for compensating you.

You need a seasoned professional to represent you in this potentially tedious and confusing process. After all, you have other matters to deal with in your life.