If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, then you’re probably angry, frustrated, and scared of what the future has in store. After all, the damages that have been unfairly thrust upon you are probably so extensive that they’re at the point of being overwhelming.
Holding truck companies accountable
But the good news is that you can take legal action to alleviate your fears and obtain a sense of accountability. In the truck accident context, that probably means suing both the driver who caused your accident as well as his employer. Outside of straight vicarious liability, though, where you hold an employer accountable for its employee’s actions, here are some other issues that may warrant a lawsuit against a truck company:
- Improper maintenance, such as when a truck company fails to correct defects and make appropriate repairs when the need for those repairs is identified by a trucker or inspector. Truckers are required to conduct post-trip inspections to identify issues with their rig, and those vehicles shouldn’t be driven until identified issues are corrected. Annual inspections should uncover any issues, too. But a truck company’s desire to maximize profits by keeping trucks on the road may mean that corners are cut in this regard.
- Improper hiring practices, such as when the driver who caused your accident had a driving history indicative of unsafe driving practices. This might include a number of infractions related to speeding and failing to stop at stop signs or traffic signals, or it could be something as significant as texting and driving or even drunk driving.
- Improper cargo securement, which may be the fault of the driver but may also be the fault of the truck company if the right equipment wasn’t provided to ensure safe securement. Federal regulations specify what types of securement devices should be used in certain circumstances, and how many of each type should be used. Failing to adhere to these standards can result in a serious accident.
- Poor training practices that left a trucker without the education and skills needed to properly maneuver a big rig. These trucks are massive and can be difficult to safely drive, which is why it’s important that those who operate them be properly trained so that they know how to avoid causing a serious accident.
Are you ready to fight for the outcome you deserve?
Going toe-to-toe against a big trucking company can be daunting. But there’s simply too much on the line to give your claim anything other than the most aggressive advocacy possible under the circumstances. If you don’t put forth the strongest arguments possible, then you could be left with an inadequate return that disallows you from covering the full extent of your damages. This can make it difficult for you to pay for your medical care, pay off your medical debt, and keep a roof over your head. In the worst-case scenario, you may be denied a recovery altogether.
That’s why if you’d like to learn more about how to best approach your claim, then now may be the time to reach out to an attorney of your choosing. An attorney who is well-versed in personal injury claims can help you not only gather the evidence that you need to support your claim but can also assist you in developing the sound legal arguments that you need to best position yourself for success.
If you think that you could benefit from that type of assistance, then we encourage you to start thinking about who is best positioned to represent your interests.