What Legal Issues are Associated with Truck Accidents?
March 11, 2020
Filing a personal injury lawsuit after being involved in a car accident is often straightforward if it is clear who was responsible. The lawsuit is between the injured victim and the at-fault driver. However, if a motorist is injured in an accident involving a large truck, there may be several parties involved. It is likely that the injured motorist will reach a financial settlement that covers the damages associated with the accident. A skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer can assist clients with the claims process.
Truck drivers are required to follow a wide range of government regulations, including how long they can drive before stopping to rest, how much cargo a truck can haul, and ensuring that the truck is maintained properly. Truck owners and manufacturers must also follow these regulations. Truck drivers have much higher insurance requirements than the average motorist, which means that a victim will not receive a small financial settlement.
Multiple Defendants Involved
In addition to the truck driver, other parties may share financial responsibility of an accident, including the truck company and the manufacturer. Each party may be responsible for the damages they caused, or they could be equally responsible for the victim’s damages. For example, if it was determined that a truck accident was partially the driver’s fault because they were drowsy, and partially the manufacturer’s fault for faulty tires, the plaintiff can sue both parties. However, if it is difficult to prove the degree to which each party was at-fault, it can be more difficult to reach a settlement. The defendants may prefer to go to trial if they cannot agree on the proportions of fault. In some cases, the plaintiff may settle with one defendant but proceed with a lawsuit against another defendant.
The following are examples of financial settlements where the victim was seriously injured, and the truck driver was at-fault:
- A motorist was involved in a head-on collision with a semi-truck and suffered two broken legs and multiple fractures. She was in the hospital for several months, required several surgeries, and needed extensive rehabilitation to walk again. She received a settlement of $1,850,000 from the truck driver’s insurance company.
- After being rear-ended by a semi-truck, the injured motorist required a fusion of the neck vertebrae. He received a settlement of $350,000.
- A motorist’s leg was amputated in a truck accident caused by a defective truck part. The plaintiff received a settlement of $3,750,000.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Assist Truck Accident Victims with the Claims Process
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a truck accident, contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will work closely with you to determine who was responsible for causing the accident. Our dedicated legal team will protect your rights and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Prince George’s County, allowing us to represent victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
