Every day, people are injured in accidents and scenarios that are not their fault. In many of these situations, the injured party is due compensation for their injuries and the associated medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To help them recover these damages, they hire a specific type of attorney known as a personal injury attorney.
Personal injury law is unique and nuanced. Proving that you are not at fault for the incident and that you deserve compensation can be difficult, which is why you really need the help of these professionals. Learn more about personal injury attorneys and their jobs on this website.
Are things taking an unexpected turn after an accident with a truck? Not only are these types of accidents more severe than your run-of-the-mill car crash, but they also often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and various insurance companies. But they are not uncommon since large trucks were involved in over 500,000 crashes in 2019. That's a lot of accidents, and it's no wonder that carrier companies are often quick to fight claims. What legal grounds can your truck accident attorney use effectively for a claim against a carrier company?
1. Negligence on the Part of the Truck Driver
This one is a no-brainer. If the truck driver was doing something negligent at the time of the accident, such as distracted driving or driving under the influence, your attorney will have a strong case against the carrier company. After all, the company is responsible for hiring and training their drivers, and they should have known if the driver had a history of reckless behavior.
2. Violations of Federal Trucking Regulations
The federal government heavily regulates the trucking industry, and there are a number of rules and regulations that carrier companies and their drivers must abide by. If your attorney can prove that the carrier company or the driver violated one of these regulations, that can be strong grounds for a claim.
The carrier company is also responsible for hiring and training its drivers. If your attorney can prove that the driver was not properly trained or that the carrier company cut corners on training, that can be used as grounds for a claim.
3. Unsafe Maintenance of the Truck
Before a truck can hit the road, it must undergo regular maintenance and inspections. If your attorney can prove that the carrier company didn't properly maintain the truck or ignored issues that were found during inspections, you have a credible claim.
4. Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Trucks often carry heavy loads, and if that cargo is not loaded properly or the truck is overloaded, it can lead to accidents. Your attorney can use this as grounds for a claim if it is found that the carrier company did not properly load or maintain the truck.
In conclusion, you shouldn't despair after an accident with a truck because you have legal recourse. But it's important to have a strong case before going up against a carrier company. You can build a solid claim against the carrier company on the legal grounds mentioned above. Consult a truck accident lawyer to find out more.