When a commercial truck accident occurs, the victims may face more difficulty that they expect determining which parties hold liability. In consumer car accidents, the matter is typically fairly simple, usually falling to one driver or the other to pay for the damages. However, in truck accidents, the matter may prove significantly more complex.
While this is not as simple to address as a consumer car accident, it is often better for the victims in the long run, because accident claims may possibly name a number defendants, rather than simply the driver.
First, it is important to asses the relationship of the driver to the shipping company using his or her services. The driver may be an employee, or may operate as an independent contractor, for instance. Both of these classifications are potentially useful, but require individualized legal consideration.
Furthermore, other parties like parts manufacturers or cargo packing companies may also bear some responsibility in the matter if a failed part contributed to the accident, or if cargo shifted in transit, contributing to the accident. All of these parties carry individual insurance policies and bear different kinds of responsibility. In order to recover truly fair compensation, it is often necessary to tailor a claim to individual defendants.
If you suffer injuries in a truck accident, you deserve comprehensive care for your medical needs and fair compensation for your losses. An experienced attorney can help you assess your circumstances and determine a wise strategy to seek the compensation you need while protecting your rights and ability to focus on your own recovery.
Source: FindLaw, “Truck Accident Overview,” accessed March 02, 2018
