Residents in a Kanawha City community are counting themselves lucky for the moment after an out-of-control tractor-trailer truck avoided colliding with houses in their area for the second time in three days. According to MetroNews, a digital news outlet based in Charleston, West Virginia, the truck accident happened on the West Virginia Turnpike. The accident began when a large truck skidded off the road. The truck narrowly avoided colliding with a house located near the turnpike on 69th Street. Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash.
A week earlier, an Amazon tractor-trailer truck was involved in a wreck at nearly the same location. Reportedly, the driver of the Amazon truck was trapped in the wreckage for around three hours. These incidents have left the community on edge, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures along that section of the West Virginia Turnpike.
Can I File a Lawsuit Against a Trucking Company if One of Their Trucks Crashes Into My House?
If you are injured in a truck accident because of another’s negligence, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against those at fault for the accident. Therefore, in most cases, if a tractor-trailer truck collides with a house and injures residents, the people affected can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the trucking company.
What if the Truck Driver Is at Fault for the Truck Accident?
Negligence on the part of a truck driver, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or driving while fatigued, can lead to severe accidents. If the truck driver who hit your home was negligent, you may be able to sue the trucking company.
This is because Trucking companies are responsible for hiring, training, and monitoring drivers. They are supposed to make sure that their drivers are appropriately trained and licensed. If a trucking company failed to properly train their drivers or didn’t ensure that their drivers followed traffic laws, and it led to one of their drivers causing the truck accident that injured you, you may be able to sue the trucking company for negligence.
What if the Truck Accident Happened Because of Faulty Equipment?
Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their trucks. They must ensure that all safety features are in working order and that the truck is in good condition. If faulty equipment or lack of maintenance causes a truck accident, the trucking company may be able to be held accountable for the accident.
In addition, if faulty equipment leads to a truck accident, the equipment manufacturer may be able to be held liable for the incident.
What if I’m Partially to Blame for the Truck Accident?
West Virginia follows a modified comparative negligence law. This law means that if you are found to be partially responsible for a motor vehicle accident, your compensation may be reduced. For example, if the trucking company's driver were solely responsible for the truck accident that injured you, you would receive full compensation. But, if you did something that made you partly responsible for the accident, such as jaywalking or texting while driving, your compensation amount may be reduced.
Should I Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?
Pursuing a personal injury case against a trucking company is a complex matter. You'll need legal assistance to ensure you're compensated fairly. Consulting an experienced truck accident lawyer can put you on the right path.
Truck accident attorneys understand the complexities surrounding personal injury claims involving tractor-trailer truck crashes. They can help you gather necessary evidence, such as witness statements, medical reports, and police reports, to prove your case.
Most importantly, truck accident lawyers can help you:
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Navigate through the legal process of holding those at fault for your accident and injuries accountable
- Secure the compensation you need and deserve
Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner, PLLC has been helping personal injury victims and their families in West Virginia bring those responsible for their pain and suffering to justice since 1931. For more information about our truck accident law firm and how we can help you, check out our case results and clients’ reviews.
To schedule a free consultation with our experienced truck accident lawyers in Princeton, give us a call at (304) 713-2014 or contact us online today.
