At-Fault Parties in Truck Accidents

Trucks of all sizes are involved in hundreds of thousands of accidents each year, and many are caused by negligence. Due to the nature of the trucking industry, there are multiple parties which may be held accountable for an accident, and victims in these accidents may be eligible for compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Of course, trucking companies are well-aware of the high-risk nature of their work and, as such, well-prepared to defend themselves against lawsuits. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a truck, it is imperative to get in touch with experienced personal injury attorneys as quickly as possible.   Determining exactly what caused the accident is an important initial step of the process. Following a thorough analysis and investigation of the case, your attorney will negotiate with the at-fault party/parties of the accident to reach a settlement for your claim; if a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed on your behalf.   The most common parties which are held liable in truck accidents include, but are not limited to:  

• Truck drivers – An overwhelming majority of motor vehicle accidents result from “driver error,” and this is equally applicable to truck-drivers as car-drivers. Because many truck drivers work as independent contractors, they may be sued directly for “preventable” accidents which were caused by their own negligence. Some common drivers’ errors include speeding, distracted or fatigued driving, ignoring poor road/weather conditions, and foregoing a pre-drive truck inspection.
• Truck companies – According to the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior,” employers are responsible for “tortious” acts of their employees which occur on-the-job. Thus, in certain situations, a trucking company may be held accountable for an accident caused by the negligence of one of its employees.
• Truck manufacturers – According to general product liability law, manufacturers may be held accountable for injuries caused by products which are “defectively designed, manufactured, or marketed.” Trucks are made up of a wide range of parts which may malfunction and lead to an accident, including brakes, tires, and coupling devices.
• Companies which own or load cargo – In some accidents, unsecured or improperly-loaded cargo may lead to an accident if it falls or spills from the truck. If a company’s negligence resulted in the unsecured cargo, it may be held accountable for any resulting injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a truck, contact 844 See Mike, LLC for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.