After a tractor trailer accident, you may be unsure about who to hold responsible for your injuries. Our tractor trailer accident attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad can help you sort out who is liable for your accident and assist you in recovering maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.
Holding The Truck Driver Responsible
Although it may seem like holding the driver responsible is the obvious choice when filing a truck accident claim, truck drivers rarely have enough insurance or other resources to fully compensate accident victims and their families. That’s why it’s critical to seek the counsel of an experienced tractor trailer accident lawyer who understands which entities or individuals may be held liable for injuries and death caused by a truck accident.
Some causes of truck accidents that may allow you to hold the driver responsible include:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Inattentive or distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drowsy driving
- Driving in excess of the hours permitted by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations
- Losing control of the cab, trailer or cargo
- Failure to stop or slow down when there was a reasonable likelihood of a collision
- Failure to make sure a load was secure
Other Responsible Parties
Because one party may not have enough insurance to cover your damages, it’s important to hire a truck accident attorney who is well-versed in determining each entity that may be liable for your injuries and losses. Additional responsible parties may include:
- The driver’s employer: Employers are liable for any damages or injuries caused by an employee who is performing duties within the scope of their employment.
- Owner of the vehicle: Sometimes one person or company owns the cab of a semi-truck and another owns the trailer. Both may be liable.
- A parent company: Your tractor trailer accident attorney will determine whether there is a parent company that may also be liable for your damages.
- Owner of the cargo: If the truck was loaded improperly by the owner of the freight, they may be liable for your injuries.
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a defect or malfunction of any part of the truck or other vehicles involved in the accident, a manufacturer may be liable.
- Maintenance or repair company: If inadequate or improper maintenance or repair contributed to the accident, the company responsible for maintaining any part of any vehicle involved in the accident may also be liable.
Why Do I Need A Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney?
Semi-truck accident claims are complex and require extensive investigation and examination of evidence by a seasoned trailer tractor accident lawyer. Obtaining and scrutinizing the driver’s log, the “black box” and important corporate documents can build a solid case and ensure that all aspects of the accident are covered. Many tractor trailer accident attorneys reconstruct truck accidents, which may provide proof of liability and attest to the seriousness of the injuries sustained. A tractor trailer accident attorney will also accurately determine how much compensation you’re entitled to and fight to protect your rights and interests.
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident, call our tractor trailer accident attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad at 610-867-2900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.