Whether or not you should sue a trucking company after an accident often depends on the circumstances of your case. In many situations, holding the trucking company accountable is an essential step toward securing the compensation you need.
Trucking companies and their insurers typically act fast to minimize their liability, sometimes at your expense. Remember, their offers may seem tempting, but they tend to fall short of what you truly deserve.
Seeking legal help can empower you to make informed decisions and focus on recovering from your injuries rather than fighting with insurance adjusters. A Charlotte Truck Accident Lawyer can review the details of your case and help you decide the right course of action. Let’s take a closer look at when you might sue a trucking company after an accident.
Why Consider Suing a Trucking Company?
Trucking accidents can lead to devastating injuries, costly medical treatments, and long-term impacts on your life. Suing the trucking company may be necessary to:
- Recover Medical Expenses: From emergency care and surgeries to rehabilitation and ongoing treatment, medical bills can quickly pile up.
- Replace Lost Wages: Serious injuries may prevent you from working for weeks or months. Compensation can help cover these lost earnings.
- Protect Against Long–Term Financial Strain: If your injuries result in a disability or reduced earning capacity, you deserve compensation for future financial hardships.
- Hold Negligent Parties Accountable: Trucking companies are often responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained, vehicles are well-maintained, and safety regulations are followed.
Many people aren’t aware of the multitude of things that can lead to a truck crash. An experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyer can review your claim to determine all the parties that could be held liable for your losses.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents and Who May Be at Fault
It’s easy to assume that the truck driver is always at fault in an accident, but the reality is far more complicated. Liability can extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or even truck part manufacturers.
Identifying the true cause of the accident is crucial to determining who should be held responsible. Below are some of the most common causes of trucking accidents and the parties that may be at fault:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often face immense pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading many to drive long hours with insufficient rest. Fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making, resulting in serious accidents.
The driver may be responsible, but the trucking company could also share liability if they encouraged or required drivers to violate federal hours-of-service regulations.
Improper Maintenance
Brakes, tires, and other critical components must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure a truck is safe to operate. When maintenance is neglected or improperly performed, it can lead to catastrophic mechanical failures on the road.
The trucking company or the third-party maintenance provider may be liable for failing to ensure the vehicle was roadworthy.
Overloaded Trucks
Exceeding legal weight limits makes trucks harder to control, increasing the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents. Overloading can also put undue stress on the vehicle, leading to equipment failure.
The trucking company or the cargo loaders may be responsible if they improperly loaded the truck or ignored weight limits.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers, like all drivers, can be distracted by texting, eating, using GPS devices, or other in-cab technology. This lack of attention can lead to severe accidents, especially given the size and weight of a truck.
In most cases, the driver is at fault, but you may also be able to sue the trucking company if they failed to enforce policies against distracted driving.
Reckless Driving
Speeding, unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and other reckless behaviors can turn a large truck into a deadly hazard. These actions significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, especially in poor weather or heavy traffic.
The driver is often directly responsible for reckless behavior, but the trucking company may also share blame if they encouraged drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.
Each situation is unique. An experienced attorney will have the resources to gather the evidence you need after a truck accident to build the strongest case.
Don’t Trust the Insurance Company
Before suing a trucking company after an accident, you might receive a call from the trucking company’s insurance adjuster offering quick compensation. While their tone may seem friendly and their offer tempting, it’s important to remember: the insurance company does not have your best interests at heart.
Here’s what they’re really doing:
- Lowball Offers: They may offer a settlement that doesn’t cover your full medical costs, lost wages, or future needs.
- Rushing You to Settle: By encouraging you to accept quickly, they hope to prevent you from seeking legal advice or fully understanding the value of your claim.
- Discouraging Legal Help: Phrases like “you don’t need a lawyer” are designed to keep you from getting the representation you deserve.
Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. A qualified truck accident attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation.
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How a Lawyer Can Help
A trucking accident claim can be overwhelming, but an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate Thoroughly: Attorneys gather crucial evidence, such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, and accident reports, to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with Insurers: Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting an inadequate settlement.
- Calculate Full Compensation: We consider all your current and future expenses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Fight for You in Court: If necessary, your lawyer can take your case to trial to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm to Learn More
If you have questions about suing a trucking company after an accident, we can help. At DeMayo Law Offices, we will stand up to trucking companies and their insurers so you can focus on your recovery.
With over 250 years of combined experience and a deep commitment to justice, our team will fight tirelessly to secure your much-deserved compensation.
Don’t let the insurance company dictate your future. Contact Your North Carolina Law Firm™ today for a free consultation, and let our Charlotte truck accident lawyers help you take the first step.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
