Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Large Truck Accident Lawsuits

If you’ve been involved in an accident involving a large truck or semi, you may have questions regarding filing a large truck accident lawsuit. We understand how upsetting accidents can be so we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about large truck accidents.

Who can be held responsible for a large truck accident?

There can be many parties who could be held responsible for a large truck or semi-truck accident. These can include the trucking companies, truck manufacturers, and the truck drivers themselves.

Trucking companies are responsible for monitoring their drivers and properly maintain all their equipment. If the truck is defective, the manufacturer of the vehicle may be held responsible. If the truck driver failed to comply with trucking laws or was driving carelessly, they can also be found liable for the accident.

What is an underride accident?

There is a big height difference between tractor trailers and passenger cars, the hood, engine compartment, or the trunk of a car can easily slide underneath a truck causing all of the impact to happen between the bed of the truck and the passenger compartment of a car. When this happens, serious injuries and even death can occur to the driver and passengers of a car.

Underrride accidents can happen due to the impact between the car and the front, rear, or side of a large truck or tractor trailer.

How are large truck accidents different from other car accidents?

There’s no difference when it comes to determining negligence, but there are four criteria semi-truck accident attorneys generally consider in large truck cases. They are: state and federal regulations that apply to semi trucking companies; the types of claims that can be brought against the large truck company; the type of investigation required by the attorney for the large truck accident; and the way many large truck accidents occur that are specific only to large trucks and semis, such as the problems they have with turning. There are also special laws that apply only to large trucks and semis.

Can I sue the large truck driver’s trucking company for my injuries?

Generally you can, but it depends on the relationship between the truck driver and the trucking company. If a relationship does exist, the trucking company can be held liable for the driver’s negligence under a legal term known as “respondeat superior”, meaning that the agent, which would be the truck driver, is responsible for the principal, which would be the trucking company.

Who can sue for injuries or a death due to a large truck accident?

If you were injured in a large truck accident you and your spouse may be eligible to sue. In the event of a death due to a large truck accident, surviving spouses, children, and other members of the family may be eligible to file a claim. The laws vary from state to state which is why it is critical that you hire a qualified attorney who specializes in large truck accidents.