Any road traffic accident will have the potential to be complex, but truck accidents are often even more complicated compared to any other type of collision.
This is because when another driver is involved in an accident with a truck that is being operated by somebody who is in the process of their work duties at the time, it’s not just the truck driver themselves that may be held accountable, but also their employer or even the manufacturer or the truck or truck parts that may have been defective and contributed to the accident in some way.
Because of this, expert legal assistance is typically required if you have been the victim of a truck accident.
Determining Liable Parties
Aside from getting medical help and assistance, getting legal advice is one of the main steps to take immediately after a truck accident. After a truck accident, it is important to determine who is liable for the collision, and this is not typically as straightforward compared to after being involved in a regular car crash.
Sometimes, even though the truck driver may have been the one operating the truck at the time, they may not be liable. For example, their employer may be held liable due to working conditions that caused the collision, or the manufacturer of the truck might be at fault if it is determined that the truck or its parts malfunctioned.
Negotiating
Another reason why legal assistance is usually required for anybody who has been involved in a truck accident is that negotiations can be very complex. This is because there is a lot more potential for vicarious liability, where another party such as an employer or truck manufacturer may be held fully or partially responsible for the collision.
Without an attorney present, negotiating your claim can be extremely difficult if you’re in a dispute with potentially liable parties and their insurance companies after being involved in a truck accident.
Laws Regarding Truck Accident Claims
Since there are various laws regarding auto accidents and truck accidents that you will need to consider when bringing your claim, this is just another reason to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who is highly knowledgeable and experienced in this type of claim. Most states operate a statute of limitations which you must consider when filing your claim; any claim must be filed within the given timeframe to be considered.
In addition, bear in mind that some states operate comparative fault laws, which means that your own level of fault and liability in the accident may be taken into consideration when determining how much compensation you will be eligible to receive.
Any accident can be complex, but there are often much more complicated laws, regulations and other processes to be aware of if you have been involved in a truck accident on the road and want to make a claim. In the event of a truck accident, several parties may be held liable for the collision, which is why it is always worth working with an experienced lawyer.
