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6 PARTIES WHO YOU MAY BE ABLE TO SUE AFTER AN 18-WHEELER WRECK

Matt Troutman May 1, 2017

Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – or about 26 times more than the average passenger vehicle. It should come as no surprise, then, that passenger vehicle occupants account for the vast majority of fatalities in commercial truck accidents.

road accident lorry car crash on an highway lane road. Automobile in side ditch

In an effort to prevent 18-wheeler collisions, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration implemented the Hours of Service Regulations, which restrict the number of consecutive hours a trucker can drive within specified timeframes. Despite these laws, at least 3,852 people died in large truck crashes in 2015.

If you were seriously injured or lost a family member due to drowsy, drunk, or negligent truck driver in Kentucky, contact the Troutman Law Office. Attorney Matt Troutman will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.

Mr. Troutman has been representing the injured for more than 30 years. Call to schedule a free initial consultation with an injury attorney in Louisville.

WHO CAN I SUE AFTER A COMMERCIAL TRUCK WRECK?

Identifying liability after a tractor-trailer accident can be complicated because there are several parties who may be liable for damages. Depending on the cause of the wreck, you may have grounds for a claim against:

  1. The truck driver;

  2. The owner of the cab;

  3. The owner of the rig;

  4. The company that loaded the truck;

  5. The company that manufactured the truck or its parts; or

  6. A mechanic.

An experienced injury attorney can help you identify all liable parties and gather evidence to prove negligence, liability, and the value of your damages. Your lawyer may use the following evidence to prove negligence and liability:

  • Data from the truck’s Electronic Data Recorder;

  • Receipts that show the truck driver violated the Hours of Service Regulations;

  • The police report;

  • Photos of the crash scene;

  • Eyewitness testimonies; and

  • Testimony from an accident reconstruction expert.

WHAT DAMAGES MIGHT I BE ABLE TO RECOVER AFTER A COMMERCIAL TRUCK ACCIDENT?

If you were injured by a negligent truck driver, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

  • Past and future medical expenses;

  • Property damage;

  • Lost income;

  • Loss of future earning capacity;

  • Pain and suffering;

  • Emotional distress and mental anguish; and

  • Loss of consortium.

If you overlook certain damages or underestimate the cost of your future damages, you may wind up in overwhelming debt. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you fight for the maximum compensation by utilizing the following evidence:

  • Medical bills;

  • Testimony from medical and financial experts;

  • Income tax returns; and

  • Pay stubs.

If you were injured by a negligent truck driver, attorney Matt Troutman can help you fight for the maximum settlement, and if your case goes to trial, he has the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Mr. Troutman will help you avoid costly mistakes such as overlooking certain damages or making a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster. Call to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Louisville.

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