Unfortunately, over 4,000 people, including truck drivers themselves, other motorists, and pedestrians, lose their lives in truck-related accidents yearly. Speeding is the single most significant cause of most light and large-truck accidents, followed by distracted driving and impairment.
If you or anyone you know has suffered injuries following a truck accident, including knee injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or other physical injuries, you're most likely traumatized and wondering what you should do. Hiring an Orange County truck accident lawyer, like those at Kash Legal, to handle all aspects of your case is crucial. Our truck accident attorneys can help with evidence collection, interviewing eyewitnesses, negotiating with the insurance company, and more.
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATIONDetermine Accountability in a Truck Accident Case
Finding evidence to establish liability in a truck accident involves a more complex legal investigation than a collision between two regular cars. Legally responsible parties in truck-related accidents can range from the trucking company to the manufacturer and truck driver. Working with a personal injury lawyer proves vital in collecting relevant evidence from the truck accident to help victims put together a compelling claim with the insurance company. Some parties that may be liable include:
The Truck Driver
Although truck drivers are not always the only guilty parties, they sometimes act negligently. For instance, driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, or those violating the stipulated hours of service rule, which can cause fatigue-related accidents. Even if a truck driver has a history of relatively minor collisions, such evidence can be used to show that they don’t exercise adequate caution while driving.
Nowadays, most large trucks have a data recorder that can provide vital information about what occurred during the moments leading up to the crash. While a truck’s “black box” may not offer definitive details about what exactly caused the accident, it may show steps the truck driver may or may not have taken to prevent an incident.
The Trucking Company
If a truck driver is employed by a company that continues to engage them even after causing several accidents, they may share liability for the accidents caused, as the trucking company is responsible for the trucker and vehicle. They must ensure drivers are professionally trained and hold them liable if they do not fulfill their duties responsibly.
Trucking companies must also perform background checks and the driving history of their drivers. Trucking companies have a strong duty of care to everyone that shares the roads with their truckers. They must, therefore, ensure drivers don’t violate the hours of service rule according to federal regulations. If a trucking company violates its duty of care, for example, by pushing its drivers to exceed the federally-mandated hours of service; and a tired truck driver causes an accident, they may share liability for the incident.
Manufacturers of Truck Components
Although not always obvious, manufacturers of truck parts can be at fault. If a personal injury lawyer proves defective parts resulted in a truck accident, the vehicle manufacturer can be held accountable. Truck manufacturers are legally obligated to ensure all components used in truck assembly are without fault to guarantee vehicles are road-worthy.
Otherwise, they risk being held liable for paying full damages. Determining that a truck manufacturer is responsible for a truck accident case takes work. However, an Orange County truck accident lawyer can conduct a comprehensive investigation to prove manufacturing or design defects pose an unreasonable risk of harm.
What Compensation May You Receive Following a Trucking Accident?
Truck accident victims are usually left with significant injuries and challenges that significantly affect their lives. This is usually due to the size of the truck compared to cars, or, if a pedestrian or motorcyclist was injured by a truck, the injuries can be even more catastrophic. Common types of compensation that you may be owed following a truck accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Non-economic damages, including physical pain and emotional distress
- Lost income and wages
- Disability and reduced earning capacity
Partnering with a truck accident lawyer can help you make sure you get the compensation you deserve following a truck accident.
Hire a Seasoned Truck Accident Lawyer from Kash Legal to Represent You
If you were in a truck-related accident and suffered severe physical injuries or sustained considerable vehicle damage, the last thing you want is to handle the case on your own. An expert personal injury lawyer from Kash Legal can look at your case and gather all evidence that determines the liable party in a truck accident. Our truck accident attorneys are here to fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you are owed following a truck accident.
Call us at (888) 527-4128 or fill out our online contact form and schedule a comprehensive consultation to help you build a winning case.
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