When you think of a truck accident and how it differs from a motor vehicle accident, one aspect is probably more obvious than the rest: the sheer size difference alone between these vehicles. In West Virginia, many of these enormous vehicles are traveling across the state every day. Because of the size of these huge vehicles, regulations have been put in place in an attempt to avoid these accidents at all costs.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is imperative to remember that, though sometimes complicated, these cases can help you receive the compensation you need to move forward. Because truck drivers and companies are expected to abide by certain rules and regulations, it is imperative to act quickly following your truck accident so that you and your attorney can work toward results. By understanding that truck drivers have to abide by specific regulations on our roadways, it becomes more obvious that you might have a claim if negligence was involved in your truck accident.
Liability: More Parties Than Just One
Here is another way that these accidents are so much different than those involving motor vehicle drivers: there could be many parties who are liable for your accident. You might believe that, following one of these accidents, the truck driver is the only party who is liable in the event of a crash. The driver seems like the most obvious party, but you might be surprised to find that it becomes more complicated than this and many parties are involved in your case.
Because these accidents can result in significant damages and recovery, it is imperative to understand who you can bring a claim against so that your right to the highest amount of compensation is protected at all times. Here are just a few parties who might also be liable for your accident:
Trucking Companies: Look at your accident case from all angles. Yes, a driver has acted in a negligent fashion. However, the truck driver also works for somebody. This means that the trucking company that employs the driver could actually be liable based on the actions of their employee. If a violation of federal regulations has occurred or improper training has taken place, there is a chance that the company could also be responsible.
Loaders: Cargo loaders could be responsible if you are driving along and, suddenly, loose cargo strikes your vehicle or causes you to swerve and crash. There are many cases where a cargo loader has loaded a truck improperly and it leads to one of these accidents.
Manufacturers of Parts: Perhaps a truck accident happened due to brake failure or another defective part. In these cases, the manufacturer or designer of these parts could be held liable for the accident.
Seeking the Help of an Experienced Attorney
If you have been severely injured in a West Virginia truck accident, there is a good chance that you might be feeling lost and helpless when it comes to where you can turn in your time of need. At Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet, & Buckner, our experienced personal injury attorneys are willing to help you through the most difficult aspects of your case so that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Please contact us to find out how we can assist you in your time of need at (304) 713-2014.
