Any accident type has the potential to destroy lives. But, due to the weight, size and often the products they haul, commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries to several involved parties – if not death. While making a claim with the appropriate insurance company may result in compensation, you may be curious as to the details of lawsuits involving trucks. After all, it is possible you do not receive the full amount necessary for your financial recovery from the insurance company.
- The causes will vary, and they matter to your case
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that truckers driving long-haul rigs work upwards of 60 hours in a week and over 107,000 miles in a year. The motorist of a commercial truck may have been experiencing heavy fatigue and fell asleep behind the wheel or lost focus for a moment. Accidents may also be caused by factors such as speeding or reckless driving. But note that sometimes liability will depend on the cause.
- Who is usually liable in a trucking accident?
Typically, when you sue for a trucking accident, you file a lawsuit against the trucking company. However, some situations may call for a different approach. This all depends on the relationship between the driver and the coinciding company. Whether they are a contractor, for instance, may make a difference.
- Liability may fall to certain manufacturers
Manufacturers may be held liable for accident injuries if it is found that negligence on the part of the manufacturing company led to the accident. Failure to property recall a defective vehicle part, for instance, may have caused the accident.
- You may still recover damages, even if you were partially at fault
Washington holds to the comparative fault standards of personal injury law. This means that even if the court found you to be 49% at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages.
- These are the various damages you may receive
As is the case with most personal injury lawsuits, you may receive damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages from missing work
Also note that you may seek additional earnings or losses related to your injury, depending on the complexities of the case and how the injury affects your everyday life.
Truck accidents can leave a life in shambles. You may want to know more about the legal ramifications of a trucking accident and how you may financially recover from your injury. Consider contacting an experienced attorney to learn about your options.