Truck accident claims and lawsuits are generally more complicated than regular car accidents. Most of the complication comes from proving the liability of the case. It is essential to understand truck accident lawsuits, the causes of accidents, the laws, and what is involved in establishing liability. This information will be helpful when you are involved in a truck accident and want to determine if you have a claim. You need to know everything about truck accidents and their lawsuits.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Many things may go wrong when using a truck. Mainly, driver errors cause accidents. However, there are other common causes of accidents involving trucks. These causes are the primary reason truck accidents can have more than one liable party. Furthermore, they are the reason why proving liability is a lot of work. The causes include:
- Driver errors
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Equipment failure
- Weather conditions
- Traffic signal problems
- Faulty roads
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you are in an accident that involves a semi-truck or trailer, it is crucial to know the proper steps to confirm that you don’t ruin your chances of getting compensation. Therefore, unless you need immediate medical care, here is what you should do.
- Ensure everyone in the care is safe.
- Call 911 for help.
- Call the police
- Check the truck driver’s information, including the truck’s license plate number, insurance information, and contact details.
- Take photos of your car, the truck, or any signage on the truck.
- Take note of the weather condition during the accident or any other condition that may have caused the accident.
- Get witnesses and write down their names and contact details.
- Call a truck accident lawyer.
Liability in a Truck Accident Case
As mentioned earlier, proving liability in a truck accident is complicated. The complication is mostly because several parties may be responsible for the injuries and damages. However, if several parties are involved, you can get more compensation if you file several claims. Some of the parties that are primarily liable in a truck accident include:
- Truck driver
- Truck owner
- Driver’s employer
- Cargo loader
- The truck manufacturer or parts manufacturer
- Local government
- Contractor
Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
In a truck accident lawsuit, you can recover several damages. Such include:
- Economic damages-these include medical expenses, loss of capacity to earn, and rehabilitation expenses. You can also recover other damages from the accident, like car damage, electronics, or medical equipment in the car.
- Noneconomic damages-these include emotional stress, pain and suffering, disfigurement, etc.
- Punitive damages– these are meant to punish the parties that acted in bad faith, such as dishonesty or recklessness.
You must know that the compensation you get depends on circumstances and other factors, like the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, and the amount of evidence you produce. Therefore, being prepared with everything necessary will be helpful.
Conclusion
Collisions involving truck accidents are complex. That is why you should get a lawyer to help you file a claim or a lawsuit. So, connect with the professional to make the process easier and get the compensation you deserve.
