Who Should Be Held Liable for Damages in a Truck Accident?
Accidents that involve commercial trucks can lead to serious injuries and long recovery times. Because of this, you may not be able to work again or live normally due to a permanent disability. If you have been injured in an accident that involves a commercial truck, you may feel unsure about what happens next and how to pay for your increasing expenses.
In the state of Nevada, injured truck accident victims can secure monetary compensation for the losses they have sustained. If you are one of these victims, you can maximize your compensation if you work with a reliable truck accident attorney. Truck accident cases are complex, so you need legal guidance as you navigate the claims process. There may be several parties involved in your case. Obtaining damages following a truck accident can give you a source of income that pays for your lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Liability in Truck Accidents
Aside from the trucker, other parties may be held liable for a truck accident. For instance, if the collision resulted from an improperly-loaded semi-truck, the cargo-loading company may need to take responsibility for the accident if its negligence led to the vehicle becoming unbalanced. If the crash happened because of a defective truck part, the part manufacturer may be held liable for the accident.
When a Trucking Company is Liable
Even if a truck accident happened because of a trucker, the trucking company that employs them may have to take responsibility for it. This can occur if the truck driver acted negligently within their scope of employment. Navigating this situation by yourself can be confusing; however, an experienced truck accident attorney can help you secure higher compensation than what you might get without them.
As truck drivers have a legal duty to ensure the public’s safety when they get behind the wheel, they have several facets of liability. To fulfill this responsibility, a trucking company must maintain its fleet, make sure its drivers are qualified, and comply with FMCSA regulations. Violating these responsibilities can lead to the company facing liability for a truck accident.
What to Expect if You Were Partially to Blame for the Collision?
Even if you contributed to the truck accident, you may still secure compensation for your injuries and damages. But this depends on your percentage of fault for the crash. To get compensation, you should not be 51% or more at fault for the accident. Also, keep in mind that your percentage of fault will dictate how much compensation you may be entitled to.
