Truck Accidents

Serving the Entire State of Maine

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are truck accident cases treated differently than those for accidents involving only automobiles?

In some ways, yes. There are special training and licensing requirements of truck drivers and special Vehicle Code sections that apply to these drivers and their trucking companies. Commercial vehicle drivers are allowed to drive a limited number of hours per day and are subject to drug and alcohol tests at random intervals.

Trucking companies that operate semi-trucks or engage in interstate commerce have additional responsibilities to perform background checks on prospective drivers. They must also periodically evaluate their employees. Liability in an accident can also be established if there were violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Act.

Q. Are commercial truck accidents more likely to cause injuries?

A large, fully loaded commercial truck can be more than 27 times heavier than a typical 3,000-pound automobile. The basic laws of physics make it likely that a collision between a commercial truck and a passenger car will result in serious, if not fatal injuries.

Q. Are trucks required to carry insurance?

Federal law requires vehicles engaged in interstate commerce to carry $750,000 of insurance for property damage and bodily injury. Most states also impose minimum insurance requirements on commercial vehicles not covered under the federal law.

Q. Should I talk with a trucking company representative or with the company's insurance carrier after a truck accident?

In all truck accident cases, it is best to acquire competent legal representation and refer to them all communication requests by trucking companies, their legal representatives and their insurance carriers. You should also not provide them with any written statements or sign any medical or employment record releases until you have consulted with an attorney.

Q. How quickly should I contact an attorney if a loved one or I was involved in a truck accident?

Often as soon as a trucking company or its insurance company learns that one of its vehicles was involved in an accident, its team of accident investigators is dispatched to the scene. Truck accident cases can be complicated, and this gives the trucking company a head start in setting up its defense.

By retaining a knowledgeable and experienced attorney early in the truck accident case, you stand a better chance of preserving valuable evidence that can prove beneficial later on. An attorney who begins to work on your case early on will be better prepared to evaluate the case by the time any claims must be filed.

Contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at Lowry & Associates if you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck. Lowry and Associates will provide you with a free consultation and help you and your family recover from your truck accident injuries.

We treat our clients like family

1.800.999.LEGAL (5342)