Truck Accident Responsibility
A truck accident can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. It’s only right that you receive financial compensation if you have been involved in a commercial vehicle collision. Determining truck accident responsibility is complex, especially without the help of an experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyer. Contact our office today to set up a free consultation.
Truck Accident Responsibility | Liability
A single truck accident can result in the naming of several defendants. Ultimately, naming the responsible party depends largely on the facts surrounding the accident. The most commonly named defendants are:
- The trucking company that owns the vehicle. If the truck was not properly maintained, that could cause a serious accident. If the trucking company pushed the driver to break federal and state laws related to the amount of hours they drive, that can cause driver fatigue. It can also cause the driver to take unreasonable risks in relation to speed and other driving actions that put everyone at risk.
- The truck driver. The truck driver could be responsible for the accident regardless of whether they own the truck, are contracted or employed by a trucking company. Driving at a speed unreasonable for road or traffic conditions, driving under the influence, and distracted driving are the most common reasons why a truck driver may be responsible for the accident.
- The parts manufacturer or maintenance company. There are times when a truck accident is caused because of a defective part. There are also times when trucking companies outsource the maintenance of their fleet. If the truck wasn’t properly maintained or if the maintenance company took shortcuts, the company that provided the repairs and maintenance may be liable for the accident.
Truck Accident Responsibility | Insurance Companies
Despite the serious injuries that truck accidents can cause, victims aren’t always treated fairly by insurance companies and trucking companies. Both insurance companies and trucking companies are for-profit businesses. They may not want to pay you enough to cover your medical expenses let alone give you money for damage to your vehicle, lost wages, on-going medical care, or pain and suffering. Many trucking companies have their own legal departments. Some are even self-insured.
You need an experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyer to deal with the insurance company, trucking company, and truck driver. Signing a settlement agreement without first having it reviewed by a lawyer to ensure it’s in your best interest can strip away your legal right to sue or to get financial help with future medical expenses related to your injuries. A Phoenix truck accident lawyer looks out for your best interest and explains how the settlement agreement may affect you. If necessary, the lawyer may litigate on your behalf.
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