When you are involved in a truck accident, the question of who is liable can be complicated. Multiple parties may be at fault, and sorting through it all can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact The Knowles Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
The Dangers of Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering why they are so much more dangerous than other types of accidents. The answer lies in the size and weight of the average commercial truck.
The average commercial truck weighs about 80,000 pounds. That’s around 25 times the weight of the average passenger car. When these two vehicles collide, the results can be catastrophic. In fact, nearly 4,000 people are killed in truck accidents each year in the United States.
Another reason truck accidents are so dangerous is that the trucks are often poorly maintained. Brake issues are not unusual with commercial trucks. Other common maintenance issues include bald tires and faulty lights.
Finally, many truck drivers are simply not following the rules of the road. They drive for long hours without taking breaks, which leads to fatigue. They are also often distracted by their cell phones or other electronic devices. Combining all these factors makes it easy to see why truck accidents are so dangerous.
Liability in a Truck Accident Case
A few different parties could potentially be held liable in a truck accident case. The first is the truck driver. If the truck driver acted negligently or recklessly during the accident, they might be liable. This could include speeding, tailgating, or making an improper lane change.
The second party who could potentially be held liable is the trucking company. A trucking company can be held liable for an accident under a variety of circumstances. If the truck was not properly maintained, for example, or if the driver was not properly trained, the company may be held responsible. In addition, if the company failed to conduct a background check on the driver or failed to follow proper safety procedures, it may also be held liable.
The third party who could potentially be held liable is the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Under federal law, a truck manufacturer can be held liable for an accident if the truck was defectively designed or manufactured, and if that defect caused the accident. For example, if a truck’s brakes were defective and failed to work properly, resulting in an accident, the truck manufacturer could be held liable. In order to prove that the manufacturer is liable, it must be shown that the defect was present when the truck left the factory, and that the defect made the truck unreasonably dangerous.
Why You Should Hire The Knowles Law Firm
After sustaining an injury, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a personal injury attorney. The answer depends on the circumstances of your case. If you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, then it’s likely that you will need legal assistance to receive compensation. A personal injury attorney can help to build a strong case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies. At The Knowles Law Firm, we:
- Are always available to answer any questions or concerns you have.
- Will keep you updated on your case at all times.
- Have been handling personal injury claims for more than 30 years.
- Do this work because we genuinely care about every client.
We understand that you need a lawyer you can trust. We will do whatever we can to obtain the most compensation for you possible while treating you with the respect and kindness you deserve in this difficult time. Determining liability in a truck accident can be complicated, but we will investigate thoroughly. If you were involved in a truck accident, contact The Knowles Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
