Minnesota Law Firms
When you are trying to recover from a devastating trucking accident, the last thing you want to worry about is facing a legal battle. However, a personal injury lawsuit may be the only way to recover the full compensation you need to pay for your medical bills and replace your lost income, today and in the years to come. Trucking accident cases are far more complex than regular auto accidents, and it important to get started as soon as possible before evidence is lost or destroyed.
Responsible Parties in Trucking Accidents
State and federal trucking regulations place a high level of responsibility on trucking companies. Even if a negligent truck driver caused your accident, in most cases the trucking company will be held responsible.
If a defective truck or truck part caused the accident or caused injuries to be worse, the truck or part manufacturer may be held responsible under product liability.
There can be more than one responsible party in a trucking accident lawsuit. Responsible parties can include:
- Trucking companies (carriers)
- Freight shippers
- Freight brokers
- Third party logistics providers (3PL)
- Truck manufacturers
- Parts manufacturers
- Truck drivers
- Government entities responsible for roadway design, construction, and maintenance
- Weigh stations and weigh station personnel
- Other drivers
Truck Maintenance
Trucking companies, also called carriers, have many legal duties, and are required to keep extensive records to show that they have complied with the law. Much of the evidence used in trucking accident lawsuits is found in trucking company documentation.
Carriers must maintain their trucks. Carriers must inspect their trucks annually. Truck drivers are responsible for inspecting the trucks they drive each time they drive them, and reporting needed repairs to the trucking company. The trucking company is required to make these repairs and to keep records of the truck driver’s request, any repairs made, parts purchased, and the results of annual inspections.
Compensation for Trucking Accident Injuries
Trucking accident injuries are often severe and can cause permanent disabilities. Medical expenses may be ongoing for the rest of your life, and you may not be able to return to work and earn a living. Compensation for your injuries can give you access to the medical care that you need, and replace the livelihood that you have lost. You may be able to recover compensation for economic and noneconomic damages including:
- Past, current, and future, lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium