Truck accidents are often devastating, and pursuing a claim after an accident involving a commercial vehicle can be especially complex. A West Jordan, UT truck accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and build a strong claim.
How Does a West Jordan, UT Truck Accident Lawyer Handle Commercial Vehicle Claims?
Investigating
If you do not fully understand what caused the accident, it becomes difficult to determine who is liable. Investigating a commercial trucking accident is far more complex than investigating a standard car accident. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, these crashes often involve multiple vehicles, which adds additional layers of complexity.
Commercial trucking is also governed by extensive federal regulations and state rules that do not apply to ordinary vehicles. You need a truck accident lawyer who understands these regulations and knows how to determine whether they were properly followed.
Examples
If the truck driver appears to be at fault, your lawyer will investigate whether the trucking company contributed to the accident. In some cases, companies place pressure on drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, which can encourage speeding, aggressive driving, or ignoring safety requirements, even if the company publicly discourages such conduct. Your truck accident lawyer will also review the driver’s background, training history, and hiring process.
Cargo loading is another critical factor. Improperly secured or unbalanced loads can cause serious accidents, including rollovers or debris striking other vehicles. A truck accident lawyer will also examine maintenance records to determine whether required repairs were neglected. In addition, electronic logging data will be reviewed to confirm compliance with federal rules governing driving hours and mandatory rest periods.
Identifying the Liable Party
Once the cause of the accident is identified, your lawyer can determine who is legally responsible. While the truck driver may be liable, the trucking company may also bear responsibility. Employers can be held accountable for the negligent actions of their employees, as well as for inadequate hiring practices, insufficient training, or policies that encourage unsafe behavior.
In some cases, commercial vehicles are maintained by third-party contractors. If a critical component failed due to improper maintenance, liability may rest with the mechanic or maintenance company. Additionally, the manufacturer of the truck or a defective part may be responsible if a design or manufacturing defect contributed to the accident.
This overview does not cover every step your lawyer may take or every potential liable party after a truck accident. These cases can become complex quickly, but help is available. Contact Nelson Jones, truck accident lawyers, in West Jordan, UT today to schedule a consultation.
