After a truck accident, one of the first things that must be determined is liability. This is because, in order to recover compensation, you must be able to prove that the other party was negligent and that their negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries.
In some cases, determining liability is relatively straightforward. For example, if the truck driver was drunk at the time of the accident and caused the collision, they would likely be considered liable. Similarly, if the trucking company failed to properly maintain the truck, causing a mechanical failure that led to the accident, they would likely be held liable.
However, in many cases, multiple parties are at least partially to blame for a truck accident. This is why it is so important to work with a Magee truck accident lawyer who can conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and help you identify all potentially liable parties.
Some of the parties that may be liable for a truck accident include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A truck manufacturer or distributor
- The truck's maintenance crew or company
- Another negligent motorist
- A government agency responsible for maintaining the roads
If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident and you are awarded $100,000 in damages, your total recovery would be reduced by $20,000.
This is why it is so important to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who can help you build a strong case and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
