Who Can Be Sued After a Commercial Truck Accident?

Who Can Be Sued After a Commercial Truck Accident? Anyone who has driven on Florida highways and interstates has almost undoubtedly shared the road large commercial trucks. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),[1] large trucks can weigh as much as 20 to 30 times as much as most passenger vehicles on the road, making them capable of causing extremely significant damage and serious injury when they are involved in accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates[2] that 95,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks in 2013 alone. When these injuries are caused by the negligence of others, victims are legally entitled to significant financial compensation. For this reason, anyone injured in a large truck accident should consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Several parties could potentially be at fault in a St. Petersburg truck accident The modern trucking industry is extremely complicated and involves a variety of parties whose negligence could result in a truck accident. After a truck accident, it is important to determine who is at fault in order to determine against whom to file a claim. When you retain an attorney, he or she will thoroughly investigate your claim and determine what parties could potentially be held liable. Some of the parties commonly liable in truck accident cases are discussed below. Truck drivers – Driver error is consistently cited as the most common cause of motor vehicle accidents. When the negligence of truck drivers results in an accident, they can often be held legally liable for any injuries they cause. Common examples of truck driver negligence include speeding, impaired driving, noncompliance with federal regulations, failure to yield, and inadequate training. Trucking companies – Trucking companies can often be held liable for the tortious conduct of their employees, including their drivers, through a legal doctrine known as respondeat superior. In addition, these companies have a duty to ensure they hire qualified drivers, properly maintain their fleet of vehicles, follow federal regulations, and operate in a way as to not pose an unreasonable risk of injury to the general public. In many cases, trucking companies can be held liable for the losses sustained as a result of a truck accident. Mechanics and companies responsible for truck maintenance In many cases, truck drivers and trucking companies outsource vehicle maintenance to mechanics and other companies that specialize in the maintenance of large commercial trucks. When faulty maintenance results in an accident, victims may be able to hold the party responsible for their injuries liable. Vehicle manufacturers Modern trucks are complicated pieces of machinery that involve thousands of individual parts and pieces of equipment. When truck accidents are the result of defective vehicle design, manufacture, or marketing, victims are often able to recover for their losses by filing a product liability claim against the manufacturer. There are many other parties that could possibly be held liable for a truck accident. As a result, it is important for victims to have the details of their case reviewed by an experienced attorney. It is important for victims to note that even when liability is conceded, the assistance of an attorney can have a significant impact on the amount of compensation ultimately recovered.

Contact a St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer today to schedule a free case evaluation

Truck accidents often leave victims with extremely significant injuries and medical expenses. In addition, people who are hurt in car accidents often are unable to work for an extended period of time, if ever again. Fortunately, these and other losses are often compensable by filing a Florida personal injury claim. The St. Petersburg truck accident lawyers of the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA are committed to helping people who have been injured in preventable accidents recover for their injuries and strive to obtain the maximum possible settlement or award for each client we represent. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call our St. Petersburg office today at (727) 472-3909.  The Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA 1663 1^st Ave S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (727) 472-3909 References: [1] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - Large trucks [2] Large Trucks