Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers: Liability is Often Shared
August 15, 2016In the event of a truck accident in Maryland, one may often assume that the driver of the truck is the liable party. And while that may often be the case, the trucker may not be solely responsible for the injuries or damages that may have occurred as a result of the wreck. Oftentimes, the trucking company that the driver works for is also liable if the accident occurred while the driver was on the job, or if the company was in some way negligent.
In a truck accident case, Maryland truck accident lawyers note that it is important to determine all liable parties because it will increase the likelihood that the victim will recover the compensation necessary to cover medical expenses and any other costs related to the accident. Truck accidents often result in particularly serious physical injuries and property damage to the vehicles involved simply because of their size and force. In most cases, the truck driver will be held responsible, but the employer will also be liable if the injured victim can prove that the driver was negligent while performing his or her duties as an employee.
Hiring contractors is one way that trucking companies have tried to get around the employer-employee relationship and how it impacts liability. If the truck driver is a private contractor who owns his or her own truck, the thinking is that the truck companies are absolved of the employer-employee relationship. Unfortunately for the truck companies, the federal government dictates that truck companies are liable in big rig accidents that involve trucks carrying their logos or brand names on their trucks. It no longer matters whether the driver is an employee or a private contractor.
Other Possible Liable Parties in Truck Accidents
- Manufacturer of truck equipment that becomes faulty, like brakes or tires
- The loading company if the cargo was loaded improperly, or overloaded
- The truck’s insurance company
- The construction company if insufficient signs or safety signals were posted in the vicinity of the construction site
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Truck Accident Victims
If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, it is crucial to determine who is liable for your injuries. Our Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton can help. We will work tirelessly to investigate the details surrounding the accident and hold the negligent parties responsible, whether it is the truck driver, the truck company or both. We will not stop until you receive the financial compensation you deserve. To set up a free case review, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
