If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, you want to be awarded damages in a claim. For this to happen, you should prove the defendant’s negligence and that such negligence led to your injuries. Negligence occurs when a person fails to use caution to prevent an accident from happening. A truck driver could crash into another vehicle while texting behind the wheel. But compared with accidents that involve passenger cars, truck accidents are more complicated.
Often, truck accidents result from the negligence of several parties. Because of this, you must hire a Manhattan, KS Truck Accident Attorney who has experience and knowledge in holding all parties involved liable for your damages. They will ensure that your claim for maximum compensation will prevail. Your attorney will look for evidence that can prove negligence and build a strong case.
Truck Driver Negligence
A negligent truck driver can hit another vehicle or even a pedestrian. This can happen when they use their phone while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while fatigued, or driving aggressively. Your lawyer will present the evidence they can collect in your case. But they may not only the party to blame for your accident, depending on the circumstances.
Trucking Company Negligence
The company that hired a truck driver can also be responsible for an accident. This is possible when they push their driver too hard, requiring them to be behind the wheel beyond the legal hours of service. Also, negligence on their part is when they failed to do a thorough background check before they hire a trucker and when they did not properly maintain their trucks.
Manufacturer Negligence
Defective vehicles can cause accidents and injuries and commercial trucks are not an exception. The majority of truck defects arise because of conscious decisions made by business leaders who want to protect their profits even if public safety is compromised. Unfortunately, defects can be extremely devastating on semi-trucks. The most dangerous parts of a truck to fail include brakes, tires, steering systems, lights and reflectors, as well as fuel systems. To prove manufacturer negligence, the rig must be carefully investigated and reconstructed to determine how the defective part caused the accident.
Shipping or Freight Company Negligence
A truck accident can occur when cargo is unsecured or not properly balanced. A shipping company must ensure its cargo is properly loaded and secured. However, some companies may load more than average to try to deliver more products, sacrificing the safety of other people. Your lawyer will assess available evidence to determine if the cargo carrier can be held liable for your accident.