IDENTIFYING THE LIABLE PARTIES AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT

Surviving a truck accident is always a harrowing experience, even if you do not sustain any serious injuries. Of course, those who suffer serious injuries face a long road to recovery.

Not only may you have mounting medical bills from your injuries, you probably have significant property damage to account for, and you may even be losing income if you are unable to work. For many truck accident victims, losing so much in such a short period of time is devastating, and some simply do not know how to keep all of the plates spinning while they wait for fair compensation for their losses.

If someone is unfamiliar with the process of filing a claim, it may feel daunting. Additionally, large companies who hold responsibility for a truck accident count on the pressures of mounting medical bills and property loss to force victims to settle for less than they deserve. It is crucial for victims of truck accidents to use the available legal tools to protect their rights.

Who is responsible for the accident?

If you are not the party who caused the accident, then you are highly motivated to find out who is responsible. In fact, even if you think you may hold responsibility, it is wise to look at all the potential defendants. You may hold less liability than you think.

One of the first questions you want to ask when looking at potential defendants is whether the driver was working as an employee or an independent contractor when the accident occurred. If they were driving as an employee, then their employer may be on the hook for your losses. If they were operating as an independent contractor, then they may have to handle your losses through their own insurance policy.

It is also important to understand what caused the accident in the first place. You may find that neither you nor the other driver is at fault. If a component of the truck failed and led to the accident, then the manufacturer of the component may hold liability.

Other things outside of the driver’s control can cause accidents, such as poorly secured cargo. Often, the driver of a commercial truck is not a part of the crew that loads the cargo, and if the load shifts while the truck is on the road, then the driver may be unable to avoid overturning or jackknifing the trailer. In these instances, the party that loaded the cargo improperly may be responsible for the damages.

Building a strong claim

Recovering from a serious truck accident is often a lengthy process, so it wise to begin working on your claim as soon as possible. Building a strong claim requires a great deal of attention, so be sure to use high quality legal resources along the way. With a well-built claim, you can rest assured that your rights are safe while you pursue the compensation you deserve.