Truck accidents are typically much more serious and devastating than any other vehicle accident, and thus, the chances of catastrophic or traumatic injuries are significantly higher. While the law is on the victim’s side and the truckers or trucking companies are held liable to pay damages when proven to be at fault, determining the liability can be tricky in truck accidents.
Why is Determining Liability in a Truck Accident Difficult?
Apart from its magnitude, a truck accident may seem no different than any other traffic accident. But it is.
A truck accident usually involves more players than a standard vehicle accident, making it difficult to determine liability. Unlike most other traffic accidents, a truck accident rarely involves just two people. In many cases, the truck hits more than one person or vehicle.
Also, the owner of the truck, the company that has it on the lease (the loading or shipping company), the manufacturer, the maintenance company, and, of course, the drivers of all vehicles involved – all become parties in a truck accident.
How Is Fault Determined In a Truck Accident?
There are several federal and state laws that regulate truck accidents in Nevada, and they aid in determining who is at fault in a truck accident. If the truck driver is found guilty of not following traffic rules or driving under the influence, they are liable for the accident. However, in cases where they failed to meet the licensing requirements, carrying more weight than the law allows, or the vehicle doesn’t meet the quality standards, the company owning the truck, one that carries out its maintenance, and/or the manufacturer can also share the responsibility.
Having said that, there are also cases where both the vehicle owners involved in the truck accident are at fault. In that case, a comparative negligence lawsuit is filed to determine the degree of fault and the amount of compensation they will receive.
Determining Fault in a Truck Accident Isn’t Easy – Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer from The Bourassa Law Group to Assist You
The sheer number of parties involved in a truck accident can make it difficult to determine who should pay for the damages the victim(s) incurred. What often further complicates the situation is that all the parties try to avoid being held liable and blame one another for the accident. For example, the driver might put the blame on the trucking company for the failure to properly maintain the vehicle, and the company would hold the driver responsible for breaking the laws or driving recklessly.
In short, things can be quite complicated in a truck accident lawsuit, which is why it is essential for anyone involved in a truck accident to have an attorney by their side. The Bourassa Law Group has a team of experienced truck accident lawyers in Nevada to help the victims seek a settlement.
Get in touch with us today for a free case evaluation.
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