Because of the potential devastation of truck accidents, it is important to be aware of all the parties that may be liable for the harm suffered by the victim. Who may be liable to compensate injured victims for their damages? A negligent truck driver, trucking company and insurance company may all be responsible to compensate injured victims depending on the circumstances.
When a truck driver has negligently caused a truck accident, the truck driver may be liable to truck accident victims for the physical, financial and emotional damages they have suffered. Specific damages victims may suffer, to begin with, may include medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. Truck drivers may be negligent by failing to adhere to the rules of the road or regulations that govern truck drivers and keep the public safe from the dangers of large trucks.
In addition, if there was an employment relationship between the truck driver and trucking company, the trucking company may also be liable to compensate the victim for damages. Depending on the amount of supervision that trucking company had over the truck driver, and the truck driver’s activity at the time of the truck accident, an employment relationship may exist and the trucking company may be liable. Insurance companies are also commonly involved in ensuring victims are compensated for the physical, financial and emotional harm they have suffered.
The damages from a truck accident can be catastrophic and truck accidents can also be complex. It is important for victims to understand how to handle all of the parties that may be involved in a truck accident and required to compensate them for the physical, financial and emotional damages they have suffered.
Source: Injury.findlaw.com, “Truck Accident Overview,” Accessed June 13, 2016