- Semitruck crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries. While it’s easy to assume that the trucker is almost always at fault for these, there are actually several entities who may hold liability in these wrecks. One of the first things that your attorneys need to do when they accept your semitruck crash injury case is determine whom you can hold legally accountable for the damages you suffer. These parties are named as defendants in your lawsuit.
When will a trucker be the liable party?
Cases that involve distracted or drunk driving on the part of the trucker could mean that they are held liable. When the trucker is driving recklessly or not following set traffic laws, they can be held accountable in court.
One interesting situation that might mean you hold the trucker and trucking company accountable is when the trucker is fatigued. If the fatigue is due to too-tight scheduling by the trucking company, it might share some of the responsibility for the damages.
What other parties might be liable?
It’s possible that other drivers on the road might be the ones who are liable for the damages if their actions led to the crash. For example, if you’re struck by a semitruck that shifted into your lane because it slammed into a passenger car that cut it off, the driver that cut the big rig off might also be liable for the damages.
Ensuring you look at all possible parties to name as defendants in your claim for compensation is one way that you can attempt to maximize what you receive. Remember that you need to evaluate these points quickly since there are time limits in these cases.