Commercial truck accidents are notorious for the injuries and damage they cause. They’re also known for being more legally complex than other types of vehicle accidents. That’s because there are many laws governing commercial vehicles and their drivers.
To make things even more complex, there are often several parties who share responsibility for any given truck and its cargo. From a legal perspective, this means that even though truck accident personal injury claims are more complicated, there are more opportunities to get a victim much-needed compensation.
Truck Accident Cases Could Involve Many Liable Parties
In most personal injury claims involving two passenger vehicles, the injured person typically files a claim against the at-fault driver. In a truck accident, a claim can be filed against many different parties, including:
- The commercial vehicle driver
- The company that employs the driver
- The vehicle’s manufacturer
- The vehicle’s owner
- Other parties
The Truck Driver
Truck accidents are often caused by the driver of the commercial vehicle. In these instances, a claim can be filed directly against the driver, especially if that driver is considered an independent contractor.
The Trucking Company
In some cases, the company that employs the driver can also be partially responsible for a crash. The trucking company might be held liable for the conduct of its employee, or they could have failed to ensure the truck went through proper inspections and maintenance.
The Manufacturer of the Truck or Truck Components
If a truck accident is caused by a faulty truck or faulty vehicle parts, the manufacturer of the truck or those defective parts can be named in an injury claim. For example, if a truck’s tires are poorly designed or manufactured, the maker of those tires might be financially responsible for injuries caused by the tire’s defects.
The Owner of the Truck
Some trucks are owned by individuals or separate businesses and used by third-party drivers and companies to deliver various goods. Even when a truck owner has nothing to do with the actual operation of a truck when it’s on the road, they may be legally responsible if a crash occurs due to neglected maintenance or repairs.
Other Parties
Several other parties can also play a role in a truck accident, including maintenance companies, cargo companies, and other at-fault drivers involved in a crash. Any of these parties could potentially bear liability for their involvement in a truck accident.
In some case, multiple parties are named in lawsuits. It’s important to understand that these claims, regardless of how many parties are at fault, are complex for those inexperienced with them. That’s why it’s vital to speak to an experienced truck accident attorney, so you can be sure you have the appropriate strategy to get maximum compensation.
If You Need Help, Fieger Law Is on Your Side
The Detroit truck accident lawyers at Fieger Law have been handling truck accident cases across the U.S. for decades, and we have the track record to prove that we know how to win. In vehicle accident cases alone, we’ve won two $30 million verdicts, two $15 million verdicts, one $14 million verdict and many, many more recoveries for our clients.
If you or your loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, contact our legal team today to schedule a free consultation with Fieger Law.