Trucking Accident Lawyer

Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles. If you or someone you love has been involved in a commercial truck accident, the likelihood of a severe injury is high. 

When a collision is the result of someone’s negligence or recklessness, the victim has the right to seek financial compensation. Oftentimes, those involved in traffic accidents are unsure whether they need legal representation. 

When you have sustained a truck accident injury, it may be necessary to consult with an attorney about your legal options. Below, you will learn how to decide whether you should hire a trucking accident lawyer. 

Determining Legal Liability in Truck Accident Cases

One of the most difficult elements of any auto accident injury case is determining who is responsible. In collisions involving commercial trucks, there may be more than one legally liable party. 

For this reason, it is helpful to let an experienced trucking accident lawyer review the facts of your case. This can help ensure that you hold all negligent parties accountable.

What If I Am Partially at Fault?

Even if you were partially at fault for the collision, you might be able to file a lawsuit for compensation. 

Some states adhere to a “comparative negligence” approach to the law. In these states, each liable party must bear their percentage of responsibility for the accident. 

For instance, suppose that you were found to be 10% responsible for a truck accident and the driver was 90% at fault. In this case, the financial damages that you could recover would be reduced by 10%. If you were owed $100,000, you would only be able to recover $90,000. This reduction would be due to your liability for the collision.

How to Know Who Is Legally Responsible

In many cases, trucking accident injury victims are not certain who is legally liable for the damages they suffered. Because of this, it is crucial to allow an accident attorney to review your case. 

Determining legal liability in your truck accident case will allow you to effectively pursue financial recovery before the statute of limitations passes. If the statute of limitations has passed, you will be unable to recover damages.

The statute of limitations is a legal time limit by which victims must file a legal claim. This time limit varies by state, so consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

Which Parties Might Be Liable?

Many factors will determine who can be held financially responsible for the losses that you sustained. In many truck accident cases, a negligent driver is to blame. 

If the commercial truck driver engaged in reckless or careless behavior, you might be able to file suit against them. However, drivers are not liable in every motor vehicle accident case. 

Some of the other parties who can be held responsible for these accidents include: 

• Insurance companies;
• Government agencies and entities;
• Contractors and; subcontractors; and
• Employers.

A knowledgeable legal professional will thoroughly investigate the evidence from your case to discover who is at fault. In many accident cases, the trucking company is to blame.

Negligent Motor Carriers

Some negligent motor carriers cut corners to increase their profits. If a trucking company has failed to adhere to relevant regulations, it can be held responsible for the resulting damages. 

For example, some trucking companies do not provide drivers with adequate training. Others ask employees to work longer shifts than are legally permitted. 

When this happens, truckers may be unprepared or fatigued. In cases like these, a negligent trucking company may be responsible for the financial costs that result from an accident.

Negligent Truck Manufacturers

Other truck accidents are the result of faulty parts or equipment. If a faulty truck component causes a collision, the responsible party can be sued for negligence. 

For instance, suppose that a truck’s braking system fails because of a defect and causes a traffic accident. The manufacturer might be legally responsible for the crash in a case like this. 

In many crashes, more than one party is liable for the damage. Speak with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney to determine who is at fault for the damages from your collision.

Common Damages from Truck Accident Cases

Hiring a legal professional will give you the highest possibility of recovering financial compensation from the liable parties. Financial payments in civil legal claims are known as “damages.” 

Victims can seek payments for any type of financial or personal losses that resulted from their truck accident. The two primary categories of financial recovery in commercial trucking accident cases are economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages are financial payments that compensate victims for their monetary losses. Some of the most typical examples include: 

• Vehicular repair or replacement;
• Other relevant property damage;
• Medical bills and expenses;
• Anticipated future medical needs;
• Lost wages due to missed work; and
• Loss of long-term earning capacity due to injuries.

Most victims underestimate the value of their economic losses from a trucking accident. A knowledgeable attorney will ensure that you do not settle for less than your claim is worth. 

Not every type of loss from a commercial truck accident is monetary. Some of the most devastating outcomes following a motor vehicle injury are personal, emotional, or psychological. 

Victims deserve financial recovery for these intangible losses, as well. Non-economic damages offer monetary compensation for this type of loss. 

Some of the most typical examples of non-economic damages in civil cases include payments for: 

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental distress such as anxiety or panic
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Embarrassment
• Loss of the ability to enjoy life
• Disability and disfigurement

Many commercial truck accident victims are unaware that they can claim financial damages for these losses. Speaking with a traffic accident lawyer will ensure that you pursue all of the money that you are owed.

Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you have suffered a truck accident injury, do not hesitate. Fill out the form or call the number to schedule a free no-obligation consultation with a trucking attorney.