THE MOON ISN’T MADE OF CHEESE? THE STORY BEHIND THE MYTH
AUTO VS. TRUCK ACCIDENTS
At first, it might make sense to assume auto accident lawsuits are similar to truck lawsuits — but, in fact, they often become very different cases. There’s a far higher rate of injury and fatality with big rigs and commercial trucks. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), 18-wheelers are at fault for nearly 12% of all traffic fatalities. Here are just a few key differences between auto and truck accidents in a personal injury case. WHY YOUR TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE NEEDS A SPECIALIZED ATTORNEY TRUCKING COMPANIES OFTEN PAY MINIMAL COVERAGE Like any other vehicle on the road, there are laws to prevent trucking companies from running uninsured 18-wheelers. For example, nonhazardous goods moved in a vehicle over 10,001 pounds would require a $750,000 insurance policy by law. However, that isn’t nearly enough when an accident causes millions of dollars in damages to the people involved — such as with traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries — or damages to its goods. And with a truck, it’s far more likely that your injury will be severe than minimal. MORE LIABLE PARTIES Another significant difference between auto and truck accidents is that there can be more parties at fault than just the truck driver in the later. The trucking company, the shipper, the broker, truck manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, or retailers supplying defective parts can also be held liable. Inexperienced attorneys don’t hold them responsible and aren’t aware of all insurance policy limits that could further compensate the truck accident victim or family. CERTAIN LAWS ONLY APPLY TO TRUCKS Both federally and state-wide, specific laws apply to Alabama truck accident injury cases that don’t in other personal injury cases. In last November’s edition, we talked about how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration had recently relaxed restrictions on truck drivers’ work hours, and they can
We’ve all heard the silly statement before: “The moon is made of cheese!” Although we may not fall for it as adults, when we were children, our eyes twinkled with possibility as we gazed up at the full moon and wondered if it really could be made of cheese. While science says no, it’s still an entertaining phrase that holds a valuable lesson for adults and children alike. The motif first appeared in folklore during the High Middle Ages as a proverb invented by a French rabbi. The full phrase is actually “The moon is made of green cheese,” and serves to warn against the dangers of credulity, or the willingness to believe in things that aren’t based on reasonable proof or knowledge. The simplest version of the phrase’s origin tells of a cunning fox that advised a starving wolf to search for food among humans. The wolf listened, and he was attacked by the humans. The wolf escaped, and in his fury, he attempted to kill the fox. To save himself, the fox promised the wolf he’d show him the location of an abundant food supply. That night, under the light of a full moon, the fox led the wolf to a well and pointed to the reflection of the full moon on the water’s surface deep in the well, claiming it was cheese. The hungry wolf jumped into the well to eat the cheese, forever trapping himself. Thus, the fox successfully escaped the wolf’s wrath.
drive for longer periods of time while forgoing their 30-minute breaks. This can be extremely dangerous, considering we already experience many fatigue-related truck injury cases. There are also special notice requirements under state and federal law that a local attorney might not be familiar with unless they have experience with these special laws. If you’ve been victim to a truck accident, you don’t need to fight for compensation alone. Give Shuttlesworth Law Firm a call — we know how to hold Alabama truck drivers accountable so you can get the justice you deserve.
As with any ancient proverb, variations of the story have developed over time, but its message has remained the same: Don’t believe everything you’re told. In today’s world of oversaturated information and advice, this is a valuable tip to follow, no matter what age you are.
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