A dedicated truck accident lawyer is the kind of lawyer you will need to sue a trucking company. Truck accident cases can be more complex than regular car accident claims, so experience with trucking cases matters.
A trucking company may have a team of lawyers and insurance professionals working on the case soon after a crash. Important evidence may also be lost or changed over time. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer from Sweet James can help protect your rights and investigate what happened.
If you were hurt, you can contact our team for a free consultation to learn about your options.
Why Suing a Trucking Company Is Different From a Typical Car Accident Case
A crash involving a large truck can be very different from a typical car accident. More people or companies may be responsible, and federal rules can play a major role. For example, a case may involve:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A cargo loading company
- A maintenance company
Trucking companies and drivers must also follow rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Trucking companies also often carry larger insurance policies than regular drivers. Their insurers and legal teams may begin investigating a crash quickly.
Evidence can also be time-sensitive. This may include electronic logging device (ELD) records, driver logs, maintenance records, and other electronic data. A lawyer can take steps to preserve important evidence before it is lost.
What to Look for in a Trucking Accident Lawyer
Not every personal injury lawyer has experience with commercial trucking cases. When choosing the best truck accident lawyer for your case, look for someone who understands the unique issues that come with these crashes. Consider whether the lawyer has:
- Experience with trucking cases: Look for a lawyer who regularly handles commercial truck accident claims.
- Knowledge of FMCSA rules: A lawyer should understand rules involving driver hours, rest periods, inspections, and other safety requirements.
- Resources to investigate the crash: Serious truck cases may require accident reconstruction experts and other professionals.
- Experience dealing with trucking companies and insurers: A lawyer should be prepared to take on large companies and their legal teams.
- Contingency–fee representation: Some accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay upfront for legal fees. If you choose our firm, you pay nothing unless we win for you.
If you are looking for lawyers with proven results, look no further than Sweet James. We are here to help you understand what happens after a truck accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable When You Sue a Trucking Company?
The trucking company may be responsible for a crash, but it is not always the party that can be held liable. Depending on the facts, you may have a claim against one or more of the following:
- The truck driver: A driver may be responsible for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, drug or alcohol use, or other unsafe conduct.
- The trucking company: A company may be responsible for negligent hiring, poor training, unsafe supervision, or putting pressure on a driver to break safety rules.
- A maintenance contractor: A company hired to inspect or repair the truck may be responsible if poor maintenance contributed to the crash.
- A cargo loading company: A company may be responsible if cargo was overloaded or not properly secured.
A lawyer from Sweet James can investigate the crash to determine who may be legally responsible.
What a Trucking Company Lawyer Will Do for Your Case
After a truck accident, your lawyer can take steps to protect your claim and investigate what happened. Your attorney may:
- Investigate the crash and preserve important evidence.
- Request ELD data, driver logs, maintenance records, and other records.
- Review the driver’s history and training.
- Determine whether the driver or company violated safety rules.
- Identify every party that may be responsible.
- Handle communication with the trucking company’s insurance company and lawyers.
- Calculate your current and future losses.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
This investigation can be especially important because the trucking company may have access to important evidence before you have a chance to obtain it.
What Compensation Can You Recover From a Trucking Company Lawsuit?
If another party was responsible for your crash, you may be able to seek compensation for losses such as:
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages
- Reduced ability to earn income.
- Pain and suffering.
- Other losses caused by your injuries.
If a truck crash causes a death, eligible family members may also be able to bring a wrongful death claim. Depending on state law, damages may include medical and funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of the relationship with the person who died.
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer from Sweet James Today
Truck accident cases can move quickly, and important evidence may not be available forever. Getting legal help early can give your lawyer more time to preserve records, investigate the crash, and build your claim.
A truck accident lawyer can also deal with the trucking company’s insurance company and legal team while you focus on your recovery. At Sweet James, our attorneys handle these cases on a contingency-fee basis. That means you do not pay attorney fees upfront and do not pay unless we recover compensation for you.
If you were injured in a truck accident, consider scheduling a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer from our team as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can learn about your legal options.
