Being involved in an accident with a large semi-truck can cause a lot of problems concerning property damage and injuries. Here are a few common questions you're likely to have about this unique type of auto accident.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
While a truck accident can happen for many reasons, there are a few reasons that are more common than others. For example, drivers may find themselves lost and try to quickly adjust their course or be distracted due to not wanting to stop and look at their map on the side of the road. Fatigue is another issue where drivers are on the road for far too long and do not get the rest that they need.
Who Is Responsible for Driver Fatigue?
Since driver fatigue is a big reason for truck accidents, you may be wondering who the responsibility ultimately falls on. Is it on the trucking company for pressuring their drivers to work extended hours, or is it on the driver for now following the laws regarding how many hours they can work in a row? While a driver is responsible for their ability to drive their vehicle, driver fatigue is often placed on the trucking company because they are not advocating for their drivers to get the rest that they need and often doing the opposite and pressuring them to work long hours.
Who Do You Ultimately Sue for Damages?
It is important to work with a lawyer that specializes in truck accidents so they can guide you about who to sue for the damage that you suffered. They know how to investigate the accident so that you sue the proper person for damages and receive the compensation that you deserve.
For example, if the cause of the accident is driver fatigue, you'll need to know how to request the driver's logs for how many hours they have been driving to prove that there is a violation. If there is suspicion that the logs have been altered, you'll need help investigating the validity of the logs to prove how many hours the driver has been working before the crash.
Will It Be Costly to File a Lawsuit Against a Trucking Company?
One thing you shouldn't worry about when in an accident with a large truck is the cost of a lawyer. Accident lawyers take payment on a contingency basis, and you won't have to pay unless you win in court. You can learn more by contacting local truck accident lawyers.
