If you are involved in an accident with a trucker, then the trucking company may be liable for your injuries if certain criteria can be shown. Trucking accidents can be especially dangerous and result in significant personal injuries, so it is important to be aware of your rights if you have been injured. An accident attorney in Reno, Nevada from the Law Office of Stephen Osborne can provide legal advice and representation to assist you in pursuing a claim.
Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?
So, are truck drivers responsible for damages? In order for the truck driver to be liable for injuries they cause in an accident, their driving behavior must have been negligent. If the accident occurred while the truck driver was in the course of employment, then the trucking company they were driving for could also be liable. To maximize your chance of recovering a fair settlement, you will want to pursue a claim against both the driver and the trucking company if possible.
A truck driver is considered to be in the course of employment if the circumstances indicate that they were driving in furtherance of the trucking company’s business. For example, if the accident occurs while the truck driver is on their way to a delivery, then the trucking company will likely be possible. On the other hand, if the accident happens while the truck driver is driving for their own personal reasons, then the trucking company may avoid truck accident liability.
Why is it helpful for a claim if the trucking company is liable?
If a trucking company is held to be liable for the accident, then they likely will have insurance coverage to pay settlement sums. The truck driver may have minimal coverage and otherwise lack the assets to satisfy a claim made against them. They could also file bankruptcy to avoid having to pay. For these reasons, you should also pursue a claim against the trucking company if it is possible.
The trucking company likely will have adequate insurance policy limits to cover your damages. The trucking company will also likely have other assets that could be used to pay. Because a trucking company will not want their reputation to be damaged through a lawsuit, they are often more open to settling without the need to file a lawsuit.
What should you do if injured in an accident with a truck driver?
If you are injured in an accident with a truck driver, then you should contact law enforcement and ask them to complete an accident report. You should also seek out immediate medical treatment for your injuries and pursue any recommended treatment. To assist in your claim, you should preserve as much information as possible about the accident, including photographs, witness information, statements, etc.
As soon as possible after the accident, you should contact an accident lawyer Reno, Nevada to discuss your case and the available options.
How can an attorney help?
A Reno truck accident lawyer can visit with you about your case and provide legal advice about how to proceed. By consulting with an Accident law firm in Reno, you will be able to make informed decisions and understand the process.
An accident attorney in Reno, NV can provide legal representation to assist you in filing a claim. They will advocate for you to receive a fair settlement that will adequately compensate you for your injuries and other damages sustained as a result of the accident.
If you have been injured in an accident with a truck driver, then contact the Law Office of Stephen Osborne to speak with an experienced Reno truck accident attorney.