Truck accidents will not go away any time soon. According to Policy Advice, since 2009, commercial truck accidents increased by 52 percent.
If you have the misfortune of experiencing a truck accident, filing a lawsuit is much more complicated than non-commercial accidents. First, you need to understand who is at fault.
Multiple parties have culpability
The obvious culprit after a truck accident is the driver. Any employed driver for a trucking company has a legal responsibility to follow state and federal driving laws. Most accidents happen because of driver error or fatigue. However, crash victims may file a lawsuit against every party contributing to the wreck. This includes the trucking company, state and local municipalities and truck manufacturers.
Your safety is a legal right
If the trucking company fails to conduct sufficient inspections on their vehicles, they may have liability during a lawsuit. In addition, failure to train their drivers on safe driving practices creates culpability on the company’s part. Governments also have the responsibility to maintain their roads, and if poor road conditions contribute to the accident, you have a case against the state. Finally, truck companies have a responsibility to the public to create safe products. If they fail to recall defective parts or do not follow manufacturing regulations, you also have a case against the manufacturer.
Catastrophic trucking accidents have life-changing consequences for you and your family. You have a legal right to pursue damages against any party that neglects to provide a safe road for you. Document your accident carefully and understand that it is not just the driver who has a responsibility for your safety.