Semi-truck accidents are some of the deadliest types of automobile accidents that can occur. In 2017, over 4,000 people were killed in collisions involving trucks in the U.S.A large part of the reason for the devastation that follows truck crashes is the immense weight of these vehicles. The average semi-truck weighs approximately 80,000lbs, while a standard car clocks in at around 5,000lbs.
Your vehicle is no match for a semi, so any incident involving the two is almost guaranteed to result in life-altering injuries or the loss of life entirely. If you have been the victim of a semi-truck collision, it is very important to immediately contact experienced truck accident attorneys at Rutter Mills to ensure you receive the compensation that you are entitled to for your injuries. To receive your compensation, liability must first be determined. Here are a few things to be aware of regarding the process of determining fault in a semi-truck accident.
Determining Liability in a Truck Crash
Placing fault in the aftermath of a commercial truck collision is not as straight-forward as it would be for a typical car accident. There are many more elements to be aware of since the issue is not related to the truck driver alone, but the company employing them as well. Additionally, semi-truck collisions are not legally handled in the same way as other car accidents are.
Sadly, the burden of proof still lies with the victim, but even more so. Truck drivers are often supported by multiple insurers that are relentless in their efforts to disprove your account of the incident to avoid a payout. For this reason, you must hire legal assistance as you prepare to file a lawsuit. They will collect as much evidence as possible to clearly and indisputably demonstrate the fault of the driver or other applicable parties.
Many different individuals and entities can be held accountable for commercial truck collisions. Some of the most likely parties include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company that employs them or with which they sustain a contract
- The manufacturer of the semi-truck
- The company responsible for the cargo on the semi-truck
Your lawyer will first investigate the truck driver by reviewing all of their actions preceding, during, and following the collision. They will review your case carefully to determine whether the driver was guilty of violating state laws, or if they were under the influence of any illegal or compromising substances. (Keep in mind that many truck drivers are independent contractors, so they may be held to different legal standards than those that are employed by the trucking company.)
Caveats to Liability in a Semi-Truck Collision
Many elements play into the assignment of fault in a commercial truck collision. Once your lawyer has investigated the driver, there may still be several additional elements to consider. For example, if there were components of the semi-truck that were malfunctioning or otherwise underperforming, the manufacturer would be held responsible for the incident. If the cargo was improperly secured, the cargo company would be held accountable for the damages incurred by falling cargo.
These complexities are precisely the reason you need a car accident lawyer by your side. If you have incurred injuries from a recent car accident or experienced the wrongful death of a loved one, get in contact with an experienced lawyer today. You deserve to recover peacefully, and they will ensure that you receive the compensation to do just that.