When a collision occurs between two passenger vehicles, fault will either be attributed to one or both of the drivers involved. However, if you are injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, determining who is liable can be much more complicated. This is because it’s often possible for multiple parties to be held responsible. For this reason, it’s best to consult a personal injury attorney with extensive experience handling these types of cases. They will make the following considerations to help figure out who should compensate you for your damages.

How Fault Is Established for Injuries Caused by a Commercial Vehicle  

Company Liability

Companies are typically responsible for the vehicles and drivers they put out on the road. If one of those drivers gets into a collision, the company may be held accountable. Your personal injury attorney will investigate to see if the driver had any infractions on their record when they were hired or if they received proper training. They will also look at whether or not the vehicle’s inspection and maintenance records meet legal requirements.  

Driver Liability 

In many cases, commercial vehicle drivers cause accidents due to actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued. If the driver was discovered to be engaged in any kind of negligent behavior at the time of the collision, they may hold at least partial responsibility for covering your losses. Negligent drivers who own their commercial vehicle may bear the full financial burden of your claim.

Manufacturer Liability 

Some commercial vehicle accidents are the result of faulty parts that lead to things like brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering problems. Your personal injury attorney will check if the failed part was defective from the beginning. If so, this would warrant a product liability claim against the manufacturer and distributor. 

In the event you have suffered serious injuries in a commercial vehicle accident, establishing liability will be a crucial part of pursuing compensation. With more than 80 years of combined experience serving residents throughout Winston-Salem, NC, and the surrounding counties, the personal injury attorneys at Wood & Rabil, LLP Attorneys at Law possess the knowledge and resources to help you identify every party responsible for your injuries. They will also devise an effective legal strategy to fight for the maximum amount you deserve. Call (336) 722-5700 to schedule a review of your case, or visit them online for more information.