Large trucks hauling loads of goods and supplies cross-country are an ever-present sight on the nation’s highways. With high numbers of these trucks on the roads, accidents involving these trucks are not uncommon. Getting involved in an accident with a truck can be a terrifying ordeal. Not only that, but you may end up suffering significant injuries, damages, and losses due to the accident. Although truck accident laws vary from state to state, in general, there are certain parties that you can sue for your injuries, damages, and losses if you are ever involved in one of these accidents.
The Driver
The first and most obvious party is the truck driver. There are certain instances where the driver may be at fault, but you may not know until a full investigation is completed. There are several types of truck driver negligence that can contribute to a truck accident. Some examples would include driver fatigue, speeding, driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, carrying a load that is too heavy, and other similar violations.
The trucking industry is highly regulated, and as such, truck drivers have stricter standards and more rules to follow than the average driver. If the truck driver in your accident is found at fault by the responding law enforcement authorities, there is a good chance they will be an appropriate party to sue.
The Trucking Company
Another party that may be included in a truck accident lawsuit is the actual trucking company the driver was working for. This party may also own the truck that was involved. The trucking company could be liable for a variety of reasons including not maintaining proper maintenance on the truck, not following laws and regulations established for trucking companies, and in some cases, pushing drivers to exceed the maximum allowed number of hours on the road.
In some circumstances, these companies may also be liable if they hired or employed drivers who were underqualified or improperly trained. All of these are potential reasons a trucking company or owner can be included in a truck accident lawsuit.
The Manufacturer
The manufacturer of the semi-truck could also be party to a truck accident lawsuit. Just like manufacturers of regular passenger vehicles, the makers of large trucks may be responsible if something goes wrong due to a mechanical issue or a factory defect in the truck. It can be important to include the truck manufacturer in your lawsuit if you believe this is the case.
Government Agencies
Often overlooked in truck accident lawsuits, certain government agencies can also be at fault. This being said, these are some of the most difficult parties to include in truck accident lawsuits. In order to sue these entities, you must first show that specific road hazards, such as construction and poor road conditions such as potholes, were the cause of the accident. Some agencies may be protected by government immunity, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. If this is the case, it may be best to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney before proceeding down this route.
Conclusion
Overall, big trucks are an important part of the country’s economy; however, they also have higher standards when it comes to operating on America’s highways. If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is vital that you know your rights and how you can get compensated for any injuries, damages, and losses that you may have sustained. Knowing who you might be able to sue in a truck accident is the first step.
We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.
