If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, there may be a number of parties that could be held responsible. Working with an attorney who is experienced in addressing all of the intricate details of a semi-truck accident claim can help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Potential Parties Responsible for Injuries in a Semi-Truck Accident
Becoming injured in a semi-truck accident is much more complicated when considering who may have been responsible for the injuries. Typically, most individuals are aware that they can sue the driver truck as well as the trucking company who employed the driver. However, there are a number of other potentially responsible parties that can be named in a personal injury lawsuit following a semi-truck accident.
The Semi-Truck Driver – The driver of the semi-truck may be responsible in causing the accident and can certainly be named in a lawsuit. The driver’s insurance company can be held liable for damages that occur in a semi-truck accident. In cases where a semi-truck driver was not insured, if you have Uninsured Motorist Insurance coverage that you have purchased through own insurance company, you may be eligible to seek compensation from your own company.
However, typically, the injury compensation from insurance policies may be limited in a case involving a semi-truck accident, especially if there are extensive personal injuries, so it is important that a thorough investigation of all potentially responsible parties is initiated.
The Driver’s Employer – The company that employs the driver is often responsible for the accidents that their employees have caused during the scope of work.
The Semi-Truck Owner -The company who owns the semi-truck is often named as a potentially liable party when someone is injured in a semi-truck accident. In some cases, the semi-truck may have a different owner from that of the trailer. In cases such as these, both companies may be held liable in a semi-truck accident lawsuit.
The Parent Company/Companies of the Truck Owner or Driver’s Employer – In some cases, the parent company or companies of the truck’s owner may be held liable after someone has been injured in a semi-truck accident. Additionally, the parent company or companies of the driver’s employer may also bear the burden of responsibility for an accident victim’s injuries.
The Truck or Truck Part’s Manufacturer – The manufacturer of the truck may be found liable if the truck suffered from design, manufacturing or other defects that contributed to the semi-truck accident. For example, if defectively designed or manufactured brakes were a contributing cause to the accident, the truck’s manufacturer and the company who manufactured the brakes may be held responsible.
The Semi-Truck’s Maintenance Company – Sometimes, improper maintenance performed by a company can lead to a semi-truck accident. An example is that improperly installed brakes placed by a maintenance company may have contributed to the accident.
The Owner/Shipper of the Truck’s Freight – Sometimes, the improper preparation of the truck’s cargo in order to be transported can cause an accident, and the company responsible for preparing the freight and loading the truck may have responsibility in the accident.
The Driver(s) of Other Vehicles Involved in the Accident – Sometimes, in addition to getting into an accident with a semi-truck, other vehicles may be involved. The drivers and owners of the other vehicles may be responsible for a person becoming injured in a semi-truck accident, and the insurance companies for any insured motorists may be on the line for damages.
The Manufacturer of Another Vehicle in the Accident – Sometimes, a faulty vehicle or vehicle part may have caused an accident or may contribute to accident victims suffering more severe injuries, such as if the vehicle has a faulty airbag, tires, fuel tank or other defect that can lead to increased injuries sustained by those injured in a semi-truck accident.
If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, the experienced attorneys at McDonald Worley offer a free case review. Fill out the form on this page and an attorney will contact you about your legal options.