When pursuing compensation for an accident involving a truck, it can help to understand that there may be several potentially liable parties whom you may potentially in a position to hold liable for your damages. Identifying these parties can be a complicated undertaking, but it may be crucial to securing the compensation you deserve.
One of the primary liable parties in many accidents is “the truck driver.” A trucker may be held responsible for a crash if their actions were negligent, such as speeding, driving under the influence or violating traffic laws. However, the truck driver is not the only party at fault in most truck accidents.
A trucking company can also be held liable if it fails to comply with all relevant regulations or ensure that its drivers are properly trained and vehicles are well maintained. A truck manufacturer may also be liable if a defect in the truck contributed to the accident. For example, if faulty brakes or tires caused an accident, it could put the manufacturer on the spot for negligence.
What does this mean for your accident claim?
Sometimes, parties may share fault for an accident. In such cases, each party will be held liable for damages in proportion to their degree of fault. For example, if a truck driver is found to be 70% at fault for the accident, a trucking company 20% at fault and a truck manufacturer 10% at fault, each party would be responsible for paying damages to a victim in these proportions.
Remember, you cannot recover any compensation from either of these parties if your own negligence played a role in the crash under Virginia law. Additionally, you’ll need to present a solid claim to maximize your compensation. These and other complexities of a truck accident claim highlight the need for seeking legal guidance early on to help represent your interests and safeguard your rights.
