Trucks are typically operated by a trucking company, which can be held responsible for the actions of their drivers. As a result, you will typically sue the trucking company in order to obtain compensation for your injuries.
However, some trucking companies intentionally try to shield themselves from liability. Their drivers may be independent contractors, or the drivers are employed by a subsidiary corporation with little to no assets. It can often be difficult to identify who is the proper party to sue.
That said, you will almost always sue the driver as well as the trucking company. The trucking company may defend themselves by claiming that the driver was “off the clock” when the accident happened, or assert some other basis as to why the driver should be held liable and not the trucking company.
What Are Some of the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can occur for the same reasons that cause other accidents, all of which boil down to ordinary negligence:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Illegal or unsafe lane changes
- Failure to pay full attention
However, there are some causes that are especially common in truck accidents:
- Drowsy driving. The CDC reports that truck drivers are among those who are most likely to be in an accident due to driving while drowsy.
- Mechanical failures. Many trucks are almost always on the road, traveling thousands of miles each month. It’s easy for trucking companies to fall behind on maintenance, or even worse, forgo the expense of maintenance in order to increase profits. This can result in mechanical failures that cause serious accidents.
- Lack of training and experience. Driving a truck requires a specific skill set. Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are properly trained and have sufficient experience.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer?
There is no obligation to hire a lawyer, but if you need to pursue a claim, be aware that it is pretty difficult for non-lawyers to be successful. Keep in mind that the trucking company, and their insurance carrier, will have easy access to lawyers who will be helping them avoid liability for the accident. Hiring a lawyer can help you understand your options, evaluate your claim, and develop the evidence you will need in order to prevail.
Slappey & Sadd – Atlanta Attorneys Helping Victims of Truck Accidents
Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need to put your life back together. We’ve been helping truck accident victims across the state of Georgia since 1992, so we have the knowledge and experience to help you make the strongest claim possible. Call us today at 888-474-9616 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help you.