When you get hurt in a Florida truck accident, you may wonder whether you can sue the trucking company for your injuries. Here’s the short answer: It depends. A truck company could certainly bear liability for a truck crash, but first, you need a solid understanding of what happened. Getting assistance from an experienced truck accident lawyer can clarify what went wrong and who is responsible.
Can You Sue a Florida Trucking Company After an Accident?
In some cases, a truck company that operates a commercial truck involved in an accident can be sued for a victim’s medical, financial, and personal losses. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation into what caused the truck crash and the actions of everyone involved. However, gathering evidence to prove the company’s liability can be difficult without a truck accident lawyer’s help. The trucking company will not simply hand over its business records to a private citizen. An attorney can subpoena those records, which could prove the truck company’s liability.
When Would a Truck Company Be Liable?
Truck companies are frequently defendants in truck accident claims. They are typically liable in two main ways. First, truck companies can be held legally responsible for the actions of their employees. If a truck driver’s negligence caused a crash while performing their job duties, an accident victim may file a vicarious liability claim against the trucking company.
However, many truck drivers work as independent contractors. In those cases, a victim cannot file a claim against the trucking company because independent contractors are not classified as employees.
A truck company may also bear direct liability for an accident caused by its own negligence. Examples of truck company negligence include:
- Negligent hiring
- Poor maintenance
- Encouraging unsafe practices, like hours-of-service violations
- Failure to provide proper training and supervision
Proving Trucking Company Negligence
Various types of evidence can support a claim against a truck company, including:
- Police accident reports
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Hiring records
- Hours-of-service logs
- Cargo manifests
- Dispatch logs
- Truck maintenance records
- Information from the truck’s event data recorder
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Records of previous truck company violations
A knowledgeable Daytona Beach truck accident attorney can review the evidence to hold a liable truck company accountable for its role in causing the crash.
What Kinds of Truck Accident Compensation Can You Recover?
When you file a lawsuit against a trucking company, you may seek financial compensation for a range of losses suffered due to your injuries. A successful truck accident claim may provide you with money covering your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Punitive damages
Contact Our Florida Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a commercial truck accident, seeking compensation through a personal injury claim can provide much-needed financial support when you need it most. Don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact the truck accident attorneys at Zimmet & Zimmet through our online form or call us for a free consultation today.
