Semi-Truck Accidents FAQ
- Is my case any different if I am injured or a family member is killed by a semi tractor-trailer as opposed to any other automobile driver?
- Who can sue in a truck accident injury or death case?
- Who can be sued in a truck accident case?
- Is investigation important in a truck accident case?
- Are expert witnesses necessary to prove fault in a truck accident case?
- What damages can I recover or the survivors of a loved one recover in a truck accident injury or death case?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
- Why should I hire an attorney in a trucking case?
- How quickly should I contact an attorney?
- Will it cost me anything to hire an attorney in a trucking case?
- What should I look for in hiring an attorney in a trucking case?
Questions & Answers
Is my case any different if I am injured or a family member is killed by a semi tractor-trailer as opposed to any other automobile driver?
Yes. Trucks are required to carry higher amounts of insurance coverage. The drivers must also meet higher safety standards than other vehicle drivers. Trucks travel in interstate commerce and therefore, are subject to many federal regulations that do not apply to other vehicles. Trucking companies also have responsibility to perform background checks prior to hiring drivers and must periodically evaluate existing employees. Drivers are subject to limits on the number of hours they can drive in a given day. Drivers are also subject to testing for drugs and alcohol, both randomly and in the event of an accident. Violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Act can provide the basis for establishing fault on the part of the trucking company and it’s driver.
Who can sue in a truck accident injury or death case?
The injured victim, and in some cases their spouse. In a wrongful death action the trustee for the family on behalf of all family members can bring a claim or suit against the truck driver and trucking company.
Who can be sued in a truck accident case?
The driver, owner of the tractor, owner of the trailer, the company identified on the trailer even if other than the owner and driver. In some circumstances the loading facility that placed the contents in the trailer and possibly the owner of the contents of the trailer
Is investigation important in a truck accident case?
Investigation is extremely important in all cases, but even more so in truck cases. Drivers must keep a log and by law may only drive a certain number of hours per day. Therefore, it is important to establish whether the log was properly kept and whether the driver was within the allotted hours of driving time when an accident occurred. Violation of these standards may impose additional liability on the truck. They can be difficult to discover if not investigated immediately.
Are expert witnesses necessary to prove fault in a truck accident case?
What damages can I recover or the survivors of a loved one recover in a truck accident injury or death case?
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Why should I hire an attorney in a trucking case?
How quickly should I contact an attorney?
Will it cost me anything to hire an attorney in a trucking case?
What should I look for in hiring an attorney in a trucking case?