Traffic Accidents FAQ

Questions:

• What should I do if I'm involved in a traffic accident?
• What determines who is at fault in a car, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle accident?
• Can I be found liable if my car is rear-ended in a crash?
• Is a car making a left turn always at fault in an accident?
• What if one of the accident victims was also at fault?
• If a motorcyclist isn't wearing a helmet, can they still recover for injuries caused by another driver?
• If I am the victim of a trucking accident, who can I sue?
• If a bike and car collide, who is at fault for the accident?

Answer:

If I am the victim of a trucking accident, who can I sue?

If you are the victim of a trucking accident, understanding who is responsible for your injuries can be complicated. There is often a web of players that could be liable, and figuring out who they are isn't always easy. Some of the people and companies who could be on the legal hook for a trucking accident include:

• the driver of the truck
• the owner of the truck or trailer
• the person or company that leased the truck or trailer from the owner
• the manufacturer of the truck, tires, or other equipment that may have caused the accident (or contributed to its severity), and
• the shipper or freight loader (in cases involving injuries caused by a truck's cargo).

To make matters worse, the trucking, hauling, and leasing companies often argue among themselves over whose insurance will compensate the victim. Your best bet in most trucking accidents is to consult a lawyer who has experience with these types of cases and knows what to expect from the parties involved. To learn more about trucking accidents, see Nolo's article Trucking Accidents: Common Causes & Liability. You can also use Nolo's Lawyer Directory to find a trucking accident attorney in your area.