As essential as the trucks that move up and down Interstates 81 and 26 are to keep consumers supplied, they can also be really scary when you have to share the road with them.
A collision with a truck can leave you with serious injuries that require considerable compensation. Many families have been left financially and emotionally devastated after a loved one was killed in a truck crash.
Multiple parties may bear responsibility
There is usually a whole team of people behind the trucker you see in the cab. So bringing a claim often requires targeting more than just the driver.
The trucking company the driver was working for may share liability when a crash occurs, since employers are generally responsible for their employees. There is also a possibility that the trucking company is also negligent for things like faulty or insufficient truck maintenance or for pushing a driver to continue without adequate rest or failing to screen and train them properly.
The shipping and loading company may also have to shoulder some liability. If they do not balance the load well, or if they fail to secure it adequately, it could shift when the driver is back on the road, causing them to lose control of the vehicle. They might be considered partially liable for compensating anyone injured by it.
Repair companies, too, have to be examined. Trucks work hard, so they require regular maintenance. If a mechanic fails to do their job properly, it could lead to a failure that contributes to or causes a crash. For instance, if the truck driver runs into the back of someone, it might be partly because the brakes failed after a mechanic failed to properly connect them.
Even parts manufacturers may be involved in a truck accident claim. Sometimes a mechanical failure is down not to the mechanic, but to a faulty part. In that case, the manufacturer of that part may bear some liability.
Understanding who you can hold responsible for compensation can be challenging after a truck crash. Experienced legal guidance is wise.