The party that has legal responsibility for a crash may hold liability for a cargo truck accident in North Carolina. For example, the cargo truck company, the truck operator, another motorist, or even the manufacturer that built the truck could hold liability.
A Charlotte cargo truck accident lawyer can assess responsibility on a case-by-case basis. Attorneys can investigate the crash to identify all potentially at-fault parties. Lawyers can explain who can be held liable for a cargo truck accident and help with all legal matters.
Potentially Liable Parties for Cargo Truck Accidents
Many parties may hold liability for a cargo truck collision. Depending on your circumstances, a Charlotte truck accident lawyer may need to build a claim against:
The Cargo Truck Company
Trucking companies are often held liable for cargo truck crashes. For example, the company may be held responsible if a trucker causes a collision while on the clock.
The company may also have to pay for accidents caused by improper truck maintenance or dangerous hiring practices.
The Cargo Truck Driver
A trucker may have liability for a crash, especially if they operate the vehicle independently. However, the trucker may only be held responsible if they directly caused the crash through a negligent or risky action.
For example, a cargo truck driver may hold responsibility if they run a red light and T-bone another vehicle or take a turn too quickly and cause a rollover accident.
Other Motorists
Other drivers on the road can cause cargo truck accidents by driving recklessly or breaking the rules of the road. For example, another motorist could cut in front of a cargo truck, causing a multi-car collision. In these cases, the other motorist could be liable for the accident.
The Cargo Truck Manufacturer
Finally, in some cases, a manufacturer will hold liability for a collision. For example, these companies may be responsible for crashes caused by defective parts on the cargo truck.
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Why Does Liability for Cargo Truck Accidents Matter?
Liability matters after a cargo truck crash because it determines who has to pay for the losses caused by the collision. Therefore, a Charlotte personal injury lawyer will need to investigate quickly after an accident to identify all potentially liable parties.
Attorneys may investigate by:
- Visiting the scene of the cargo truck crash
- Getting information from the cargo truck’s data recorder
- Requesting surveillance camera footage that shows the accident
- Taking statements from all eyewitnesses
- Getting a copy of the police report
In some cases, lawyers may need to take other steps during an investigation, varying the process based on the circumstances surrounding each accident.
Liability and Contributory Negligence in North Carolina
North Carolina uses a contributory negligence system to handle cargo truck accident claims. This system states that an injured individual cannot seek compensation if they contributed to the crash in any way.
Therefore, it’s essential to work with a lawyer who can investigate and establish that another party holds 100% of liability for a crash. You can learn more about contributory negligence and who can be held liable for a cargo truck collision with a personal injury law firm.
Funds Available from the Liable Party
Your attorney can help you seek compensation to cover all of your losses from the liable party after a cargo truck crash. Depending on the facts surrounding a crash, you may get funds to pay for your:
Medical Bills
Cargo truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. The at-fault party may need to pay for all of your current and future medical expenses, including the costs of surgeries, hospitalization, and medications.
Property Repairs
Cargo trucks can cause tremendous damage to passenger vehicles in the event of an accident. The liable party may have to pay for vehicle repairs or the cost of replacing a totaled car.
Pain and Suffering
The liable party may have to cover any non-economic losses caused by a cargo truck collision. For example, you may receive funds to pay for your pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
Lost Wages
Finally, the responsible party may need to cover the pay you lose when off work to heal after a cargo truck accident. In some cases, you may get funds for your reduced earning potential. A lawyer can explain all the losses available in your situation.
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Talk to Us About Cargo Truck Crash Liability
Who can be held liable for a cargo truck accident in North Carolina? Any party that causes the collision could hold liability in our legal system. Our team at DeMayo Law Offices can investigate your claim and find the responsible parties so we can pursue them for fair compensation on your behalf.
We proudly serve as Your North Carolina Law Firm™ and stand ready to represent you in and out of the courtroom. We can draw on our 250 years of combined experience to assist with any legal hurdles you face. Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form