Collisions with commercial vehicles can have devastating consequences. Any motor vehicle accident can be dangerous, but these collisions are particularly disastrous. This type of crash’s impact is tremendous, given the substantial weight difference between 18-wheelers and passenger cars.
A dedicated personal injury attorney can help if a crash with a commercial vehicle injured you. You have the opportunity to seek justice by filing a civil lawsuit. If successful, the lawsuit could cover your out-of-pocket expenses and pay for your intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. It is best to speak with a Hagerstown truck accident lawyer before you accept a settlement offer.
Who Is at Fault?
Before an injury victim can file a lawsuit, they must first identify the at-fault party. A Hagerstown attorney can investigate the truck accident and determine the party—or parties—who are to blame, especially by putting the truck’s insurance company to preserve the truck data for investigation and for potential use in trial, if needed. These efforts can lead to a possible case for compensation. Here are some common examples of who or what may be at fault:
The Truck Driver
The obvious defendant in many truck accident cases is the commercial vehicle operator. Driver error, which can include anything from speeding to running a red light, is frequently to blame for these collisions.
The Trucking Company
A commercial driver’s employer might also be responsible for damages. A legal theory called respondeat superior underpins this case for liability. This theory holds that an employer is liable for their driver’s negligence if it occurs within the scope of their employment. These companies could also be liable if the accident happened due to negligent hiring or training.
Manufacturers
Not all truck accidents happen as the result of operator error. Sometimes, they are unavoidable due to a defective vehicle part. Some examples include faulty headlights, braking systems, or power steering. If a defect causes a crash, the injured parties can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Other Third Parties
Other parties could also be to blame for an accident. They include logistics companies that improperly load a trailer, leaving it top-heavy and susceptible to rolling over. Another example is a mechanic whose faulty repairs lead to a crash.
What Is a Truck Accident Injury Claim Worth?
One of the most common questions asked of a truck accident attorney in Hagerstown is, “What is my case worth?” While a lawyer can’t promise a particular outcome or say with certainty what a settlement offer might comprise, they can provide helpful guidance on what may be available. Some of the types of damages an injured party could recover include the following:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Diminished future earning power
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
An experienced lawyer can carefully review every facet of a truck accident to understand the types of damages that the injured person can recover. These efforts start with a review of the injury victim’s medical and employment records.
Speak to a Hagerstown Tractor-Trailer Crash Attorney Today
If a commercial vehicle collision injured you, there is a chance that you can recover compensation for your injuries. This process can be challenging without help, but the right attorney can maximize your recovery.
Reach out to a Hagerstown truck accident lawyer at Price Benowitz right away for a free and confidential case evaluation.
