To be compensated for your truck accident injuries, you need to prove that someone was responsible for them. The burden of proof falls on you and is necessary to recover financial compensation.
Not only must you figure out the correct party to sue, but you must also gather the evidence showing they were to blame for what happened. An experienced Dallas truck accident attorney can investigate your crash and compile the proof you need to qualify for a settlement or jury award.
The Truck Driver Is Not Necessarily the One Who Pays for Your Accident Damages
While the truck driver is the immediate party involved, you will rarely sue the truck driver alone.
Truck accident damages often amount to millions of dollars, and individual drivers typically cannot pay for such extensive injuries or losses.
Instead, in many trucking accident claims, trucking companies are held liable due to their insurance coverage and deeper financial resources.
The Trucking Company Is Often the Most Likely Defendant
Employers bear responsibility for their employees’ actions under the legal principle of vicarious liability. For instance, if a truck driver caused an accident while on duty, the trucking company is likely responsible.
In situations where the driver was not acting within their job’s scope—such as engaging in personal activities or intentional wrongdoing—the trucking company may not be liable.
Product Defects Responsible for Truck Accidents
Some truck accidents result from mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, rather than driver error. In these cases, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the truck manufacturer or parts supplier.
- Design Defects: Flaws in the truck’s original design that make it unsafe.
- Manufacturing Defects: Errors during the production process that compromise safety.
- Marketing Defects: Inadequate warnings or failure to disclose known hazards.
Other Third Parties Who May Be Responsible
Responsibility for a truck accident can extend to other entities, such as maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or vehicle owners.
Proving Negligence in a Truck Accident Case
- The party owed a duty of care.
- They breached this duty through unreasonable actions.
- Injuries resulted directly from their actions.
- The breach caused your financial and personal losses.
What to Expect at Your Free Consultation with a Truck Accident Lawyer
During your consultation, a Dallas personal injury lawyer will review your case, explain liability, and outline next steps.