After a truck accident, you could find yourself unsure about what happened or who is to blame. Often, crashes with semi-trucks are caused by complicated issues that involve more than one liable party, such as problems with the vehicle, the trucking company, or the driver. By working with an Iowa truck accident injury lawyer, you’ll learn more about your rights as well as insight into what could be behind your accident.
Who Could Be Legally Responsible for Your Iowa Truck Accident Injuries?
In the aftermath of a truck crash, it’s not easy to determine who was responsible for the accident. Initially, it may seem like the truck driver is to blame, but there could be other factors that play a role in what’s occurred as well. Who could be to blame? Possibilities include:
At-Fault Trucker
The driver is the most common party to blame and may be at fault if they failed to drive in a safe manner or follow all laws applicable in the case. They are often solely responsible in situations such as being distracted, being tired, or using alcohol or drugs.
Trucking Company
The trucking company may be to blame if they fail to meet state or federal laws and regulations in any aspect of the truck’s management. For example, if the trucking company failed to complete a background check to find faults in a trucker’s driving record, that could mean they are responsible. If they failed to provide federally mandated safety equipment, that could make them liable.
Truck Manufacturer
The manufacturer could be held liable if the truck, trailer, or other system failed in some way, and that failure caused the crash. If the manufacturer failed in the design, production, or assembly of the truck or a truck component, they could be liable for your losses.
Truck Maintenance Company
A maintenance or repair company could be to blame in situations where they provide misleading or inaccurate information about a repair that causes the incident. If their inspection or maintenance service contributed to the collision, they might be at fault.
Cargo Loaders
A cargo-loading company or person could be at fault if they did not follow pre-established guidelines for placing items on the vehicle, and those actions led to the accident. Examples of negligence include creating an uneven load or not strapping cargo down properly so that it shifts during the trip.
Drivers of Other Vehicles on the Road or Highway
In some cases, the trucker may not be responsible for the losses. Instead, it may be the other drivers on the roadway involved in the accident.
Why Is it Essential to Know Who Caused the Accident (and by Extension Your Injuries)?
If you don’t know who is to blame, it’s difficult to go after someone for your losses. You need to understand what caused the incident in order to determine if negligence occurred and, as such, if you have the legal right to compensation.
However, this information may not be readily available on just an initial look at your accident. You may need more information, and your attorney can launch a formal investigation into the accident to get it.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Identify the Right Defendants and Protect Your Rights?
Don’t assume you know who is to blame. It’s best to work with your truck accident attorney to determine what evidence is available. Most importantly, you want to be sure the people responsible pay for the damages they’ve caused. Your attorney will gather information, evidence, witness statements, and accident re-creation data to help look deeper into what occurred and why. That way, you can be confident that the proper actions were taken to protect your rights.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLC, we recognize just how complex it can be to determine fault after a devastating accident. Since trucking companies have powerful attorneys working against you, we want to ensure you get a fair chance at protecting your rights. When you fill out our contact form or call us at 402-281-9668, you can schedule a free consultation to get the information you need to make wise decisions.
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