Ohio victims who have been in a catastrophic truck accident, at some point, will wonder who is liable for their damages and suffering. The answer depends on their specific circumstances, but can include negligent truck drivers and truck companies. Victims may be able to recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
There are a variety of ways that truck drivers and trucking companies can be negligent and, therefore, responsible to compensate truck accident victims for their damages. Because truck accident victims can suffer extensive harm due to the massive size of semi-trucks, it is important to identify all of the potentially liable parties.
Truck drivers may cause a truck accident by being negligent, such as driving too fast for the conditions or posted speed limit signs; driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; driving while distracted; or driving while fatigued, among other careless behaviors. Trucking companies may be liable for negligently hiring or retaining a truck driver, failing to properly maintain the truck or pressuring the truck driver to drive while tired to meet tight deadlines, which may also been considered negligence.
The relationship between the truck driver and the trucking company matters too as it relates to the company’s potential liability. While the devastation truck accidents can cause may be plain to victims, truck accident claims can be complex. This is why it is important for truck accident victims to be familiar with the legal protections available to them through a personal injury or wrongful death claim for damages. And, an attorney can often help.
