Any accident on the road can be devastating. But an accident involving a truck may be catastrophic. Due to the involvement of a very large vehicle, truck accidents can also make it difficult to define exactly who is at fault and subject to liability.
If you have been involved in a truck accident and aren’t sure how to file a claim, starting with a consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer is the best starting point.
Who Might be at Fault in a Truck Accident?
There are many factors in a truck accident that need to be closely considered. One of the most important factors to determine is: who is at fault? There are a number of possibilities which we will examine below:
- The Driver of the Truck. Obviously, if the driver was operating the vehicle recklessly or not taking the necessary precautions, he or she is at least partially at fault.
- The Company Employing the Truck Driver. If the company didn’t properly vet the driver or if they didn’t provide the means to avoid an accident, these individuals may be liable.
- The Truck Manufacturer. There may have been a mechanical failure that caused the accident. Despite the driver thoroughly checking and practicing safe driving, the accident may have happened regardless due to a manufacturer error.
- The Company Who Loaded the Truck. The accident may have been primarily caused by improper loading practices, which would then put the loading company in a sticky situation.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of who may be at fault during a truck accident. However, this does provide a starting point. The legal strategy of your truck accident lawyer will involve investigating the accident closely and determining who is responsible.
What Information Will My Lawyer Gather for My Truck Accident Case?
A truck accident is no small incident. There are usually numerous eyewitnesses and generally video footage is available from nearby stores or even cell phone recordings. Your lawyer will determine what information is available, gather all of these resources together and make the strongest case possible for you. In addition to those items listed, there may also be:
- Data from the Truck’s Blackbox
- Photos from the Crash Site.
- Cell Phone Tracking Data.
If I’ve been in a Truck Accident, What Should I Do?
First and foremost, you need to focus on your own recovery. If you suffered an injury in the accident, ensure that you get proper medical care. This will serve the obvious function of keeping you healthy, but additionally will provide extra documentation which may strengthen your case down the road.
While you’re recovering, a truck accident lawyer can take care of all the hard work for you. They will gather all of the information and ensure that your claim is filed and processed correctly. Call a truck accident lawyer today to get a consultation and determine what your best course of action will be moving forward.
