In most auto accidents, there are two main parties: you and the other driver. When you are involved in an accident with a large truck, the legal issues and the parties involved becomes much more complicated.
Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other types of commercial vehicles are just one part of a trucking business. The other parts of these businesses may also share in the legal responsibility for your accident and your injuries.
If you are injured by a large truck, your lawsuit or settlement claim may involve some or all of the following parties:
The Truck Driver
When the accident is the fault of the truck driver, he or she will be part of your lawsuit. However, like most individuals, the person who drives the truck usually does not have large amounts of money in a bank account that can be used to pay your medical expenses. As a result, his or her insurance will likely be responsible for paying a large part of your claim.
The Trucking Company
Most truck drivers either run their own trucking company or work for a larger trucking business. Depending on the trucking company’s actions, that business may have liability for your accident. If a trucking company bent the rules by making a truck driver spend too much time on the road, or if the trucking company failed to adequately train its drivers, that business will also share the responsibility to cover your costs and expenses.
The Company That Hired the Trucker
Large trucks haul loads of goods and materials across the country for their customers. Sometimes, the people who own or are waiting for these goods get impatient and push the drivers to go faster or drive more hours than the law allows. Depending on the actions of the company that owns the driver’s load, it too could share legal liability for your injuries.
Truck Maintenance Companies
When a vehicle is as large as a semi-truck, maintenance is key. Many trucking companies use a maintenance service, or contract with mechanics, tire distributors, or other repair professionals in charge of maintaining the truck. If your accident was caused by faulty brakes or other mechanical issues, the person or company in charge of keeping the truck in working order may be responsible for your accident as well.
Hire An Attorney
You may often see several other types of parties in your truck accident lawsuit, depending on the situation and the structure of the business. Nearly every part of a trucking company will have some type of insurance, because of the nature of the business. These companies may also be added to your suit.
In order to have a successful truck accident settlement or lawsuit, it is important to pursue every available means of getting you compensation for your injuries. Board Certified Personal Injury attorney Bryan Caulfield understands that these cases can be complicated, and wants to help you pursue justice from every entity responsible for your accident.
Before you accept a settlement, schedule a free consultation with Board Certified Personal Injury attorney Bryan Caulfield today.