Truck crashes can be devastating for everyone involved. The potential for catastrophic injuries is even higher than in other motor vehicle collisions due to several factors. Large trucks are unable to stop or react quickly due to their large size and heavy weight, making them dangerous on state highways and local roads. When a trucker is negligent, this greatly increases the dangers for everyone else on the road.
If you suffered an injury in this kind of collision, consult an experienced personal injury attorney on holding the responsible parties liable for your losses. At Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya, a Dover truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the monetary compensation you deserve for your suffering.
Causes of Truck Crashes in Dover
A truck wreck could be caused by many different factors. As such, the challenge of determining the specific cause requires help from a local attorney experienced in truck collision cases. The cause of the crash is an important part of proving a personal injury claim and acquiring any damages owed to the plaintiff.
Typical causes of trucking crashes often include:
- Distracted truck drivers
- Overtired and overworked drivers
- Improperly trained truck drivers
- Negligent hiring by a truck company
- Defective parts
- Improper maintenance
- Failure to balance a load or secure cargo
A thorough investigation by a Dover 18-wheeler accident attorney may reveal the cause and allow the victim to hold the responsible party accountable.
Liability of Trucking Companies
Most truck drivers, especially of large tractor-trailers and big rigs, are employees of trucking companies. As a result, their actions typically are held vicariously against their employees. The legal doctrine that permits this is called respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the negligent acts of their employees. When a driver commits a negligent act that causes harm, the company that employed them is likely financially responsible as well.
These companies may also be directly responsible through their own actions. This could be the result of negligent hiring practices, where an unqualified or improperly trained driver is put behind the wheel. It may also be the result of improper maintenance on trucks when that led to the injury or failure to maintain the records showing that maintenance took place.
Overworked & Exhausted Drivers
A common cause of truck collisions in Dover is related to overworked drivers. Federal regulations govern the amount of time a driver can be behind the wheel, but some companies will push drivers to violate this so as to increase their profit. If they have done so, the company is likely directly responsible for the damages suffered by the plaintiff.
Compensation in Truck Wreck Lawsuits
After successfully bringing a claim of negligence and proving the damages suffered, a plaintiff may be awarded appropriate monetary compensation. This could include:
- Property damage costs
- Lost income and salary
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and support
- Wrongful death damages
Monetary compensation may help alleviate many of the burdens created by a trucking collision.
Consult a Dover Truck Accident Attorney Today
Truck crash cases can be complicated, with multiple parties and complex evidentiary issues involved. However, you are not obligated to do this alone. You can and should get assistance from a skilled attorney to present your case and seek remuneration for your injuries.
A Dover truck accident lawyer at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya is prepared to assist you in filing and pursuing your claim. Contact us today for help.
