Determining responsibility in a truck accident

Being involved in a car accident of any kind can be incredibly difficult, but being involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer is especially traumatic. Given the size and weight of these trucks the damage and injuries sustained in a truck accident can be catastrophic. That is why it’s so important to determine if the truck driver is responsible for the accident and to hold the responsible party accountable.

There are many factors to consider in determining responsibility for a truck accident. The trucking industry, including truck drivers and trucking companies, are controlled by both State and Federal regulations. These regulations set standards that must be followed, and these standards can be helpful in determining responsibility in case of a truck accident.

These regulations govern many areas designed to promote safety for trucks and other drivers, including requiring truck drivers to have a special commercial driver’s license, requiring rest and regulating hours of operation for truck drivers, as well as setting maintenance standards for trucks and regulations for transporting hazardous or oversized materials.

While truck accidents may involve the same simple negligence as any other accident, such as an inattentive driver, an impaired driver, speeding, or a variety of other negligent acts, these cases can also be more complicated then traditional auto accident cases. If a truck accident involves a driver not following any of the Federal or State trucking regulations, the driver and the trucking company may be responsible.

There are various legal theories that may be applied to determine liability and negligence involving truck accidents. If you are involved in a truck accident you may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as other compensation. It is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you with your truck accident claim.

Source: Findlaw.com, “Truck Accident Law: What You Need to Know,” accessed Dec. 27, 2017