Examining complexity in automotive liability

Accident claims between passenger vehicles and a large truck, commercial vehicle or tractor-trailer can result in critical injuries and damage to vehicles, and can be incredibly complex to resolve. (Photo: jtevians/Adobe Stock)

Year after year, nuclear verdicts make headlines redefining what makes for a “landmark” auto liability settlement. For instance, in 2018, a Texas jury awarded $101 million to a man who was severely injured in a crash with a cement truck. However, three years later, a Missouri jury awarded $113 million to a woman who was severely injured in a crash with a commercial truck. Simply put, accident claims between passenger vehicles and a large truck, commercial vehicle or tractor-trailer can result in critical injuries and damage to vehicles, and can be incredibly complex to resolve.

These events and the claims litigation processes that follow cannot be approached in the same manner as an accident involving two passenger vehicles and therefore, require the expertise of transportation claims and risk specialists. These professionals understand the challenges trucking companies face such as social inflation, litigation funding, rising insurance premiums and other operational demands such as truck maintenance and safety training. The specialists can make all the difference in minimizing the financial impact and unnecessary risk when responding to and investigating, handling and defending an accident.