Who Can I Sue after a Truck Accident
Whenever you are driving near a large truck, it is a good idea to exercise more caution than usual. Unfortunately, even the most diligent motorists can wind up in a collision when a truck driver is drowsy, speeding, or behaving recklessly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the state of California saw 296 fatalities in accidents involving large trucks in 2015. Thousands more suffered severe injuries.
If you were injured in a truck collision and you want to pursue compensation from the liable party, contact Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates. Attorneys Jeffrey E. Estes and Alton J. Smith have been litigating personal injury cases on behalf of California residents for almost three decades, and they have recovered more than $150 million for their clients. Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free case evaluation with an injury lawyer in San Diego.
Let’s examine six parties who you may be able to name in your truck accident claim
- The Truck Driver
The trucker is the most obvious defendant in many cases. Drowsy or distracted driving can cause major collisions that result in serious injuries. If your crash occurred due to the truck driver’s negligence, he or she would be liable for your damages.
- The Transportation Company
The trucker’s employer should have coverage for any accidents that the trucker causes while on the job. The transportation company should also have significantly more assets than the trucker, so your attorney might recommend that you name the company in the lawsuit, as well.
- The Cargo Loading Company
If the collision occurred as a result of imbalanced cargo, you may have grounds for a claim against the cargo loading company.
- The Maintenance Company
Transportation companies often outsource the necessary repairs and maintenance of their vehicles. If the accident occurred as the result of a mechanical failure, you might pursue compensation from the maintenance company.
- The Local Government
Local government entities have an obligation to maintain the roads so traffic can pass through safely. If poor road conditions contributed to your accident, you may have a valid personal injury claim against the state or local government.
If you want to sue a government agency, it is important to remember that you have a much shorter statute of limitations in order to do so. For example, in the state of California, you have just six months to file a claim against a government entity.
- The Manufacturer of the Truck or Its Parts
Was your accident caused by a faulty auto part? If so, you may have grounds for a claim against the company that manufactured the truck or its parts.
If you sustained debilitating injuries in a truck accident and you want to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party, contact Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates. Jeffrey E. Estes and Alton J. Smith have a reputation for tough litigation and a strategy for winning substantial settlements and verdicts for their clients. Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney in California.