Who Might Be Liable for Damages after a Commercial Truck Accident?
Driving next to an 18-wheeler is never a comfortable experience. Tractor-trailers are up to 30 times heavier than passenger cars, so a collision with one is likely to end with serious injuries.
Commercial truckers tend to be far more experienced behind the wheel than the average driver. This, however, does not mean that they are immune to accidents. According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 3,964 people killed and 95,000 injured in crashes involving large trucks in 2013.
There are several reasons why tractor-trailer collisions are often more devastating than accidents involving passenger vehicles. In addition to being heavier, 18-wheelers require a longer stopping distance – 20 percent to 40 percent longer than passenger vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Also, commercial truckers are more prone to fatigue.
If you or a family member was injured by a negligent truck driver in Nebraska, contact Rensch & Rensch Law. A personal-injury lawyer in Omaha will evaluate your case, assess the police report, interview witnesses and help you fight for the highest possible compensation.
As the victim of another driver’s negligence, you should not have to pay for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. Call 1-402-498-4400 to discuss your case with a truck accident attorney.
4 Parties Who Might Be Liable for Damages after a Truck Accident
Personal-injury claims related to CMV wrecks are not the same as those involving passenger cars. In most car accident claims, the at-fault driver is liable for damages; however, there are several parties who may be liable for damages after an 18-wheeler crash:
- The Driver
If a truck driver is self-employed and causes an accident, then it is likely that he or she would be liable for damages.
- The Trucking Company
Trucking companies often have financial incentive to encourage drivers to operate in excess of the Hours of Operation limitations. This, however, is illegal. If a trucking company incentives unsafe behavior and this leads to an accident, then that company would be liable for damages.
In order for such a claim to be successful, the plaintiff would have to prove that the company exercised some degree of control or supervision over the driver, and that the accident happened while the driver was performing his or her duties in the course of the employment relationship.
- The Loader of the Truck
The person or company that loaded the truck may be liable for damages if the load was unbalanced or improperly secured.
- The Manufacturer of the Truck or Its Parts
The manufacturer of the truck or its parts may be liable for damages if the accident was caused by a part defect.
If you were injured in a truck accident that another driver caused, contact an Omaha personal-injury lawyer from Rensch & Rensch Law. Our legal team will explain the claims process and help you recover the maximum compensation. Call 1-402-498-4400 to schedule a free initial consultation
