Truck accidents can cause devastating and life-altering injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. An Ontario truck accident lawyer understands the impact of these injuries on the victims and their families.
If you suffered injuries in a preventable truck accident, the experienced attorneys at Valero Law Group are here to help. Our team is committed to holding negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable while pursuing the full compensation you deserve through skilled guidance and aggressive representation. Call to discuss your case.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
In passenger vehicle collisions, fault usually rests with one driver. However, commercial trucking accidents can involve several entities whose negligence contributed to the crash.
The Truck Driver
The driver operating the commercial vehicle may be liable if they were speeding, driving while fatigued, or violating federal safety regulations. Truck drivers are required to follow strict hours-of-service rules and maintain proper licensing; failures in these areas can establish negligence.
The Trucking Company
The company that employs the driver also often bears responsibility for accidents. This may apply, for example, when crashes are caused by inadequate driver training, pressure to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, or failure to maintain their fleet properly.
Cargo Loading Companies
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause trucks to tip over or lose control. Third-party loading companies responsible for distributing weight incorrectly or failing to secure freight may be liable when cargo issues contribute to an accident.
Truck Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers
Defective truck parts, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts, can make manufacturers liable. Similarly, maintenance companies that performed substandard repairs or failed to identify mechanical problems may share responsibility for crashes caused by equipment failure.
Contact a lawyer from our firm for assistance in identifying liability for a truck crash in Ontario.
Challenges in Commercial Truck Accident Cases
Commercial truck accident cases present unique challenges that distinguish them from typical motor vehicle collisions. As mentioned, multiple parties may share liability, and it is important to identify all parties who may have to compensate the victim.
The trucking industry is heavily regulated under federal transportation laws. Determining fault requires a thorough investigation that involves federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry. This includes examining hours-of-service violations, vehicle maintenance records, and driver qualifications.
These cases also typically involve catastrophic injuries, given the size disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Calculating damages requires consideration of long-term medical care, lost earning capacity, and permanent disability.
Companies often have experienced legal teams and insurers working to minimize their liability. An experienced attorney seeks to hold all liable parties accountable for the full extent of their client’s damages in an Ontario truck accident case.
Never Wait To Seek Legal Help
Time is critical following a truck accident. The city’s statute of limitations generally provides two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can permanently bar an individual’s right to compensation, regardless of how strong their case may be.
Evidence held by trucking companies often disappears after accidents. A lawyer can demand that trucking companies preserve certain records due to potential litigation. Without prompt legal action, key black-box data, driver logs, and maintenance records may be destroyed according to routine company policies. Early involvement by an attorney ensures evidence preservation requests are immediately issued, protecting the foundation of the Ontario truck crash claim before it disappears.
Speak With an Attorney About Your Ontario Truck Accident
You may be entitled to compensation if your truck accident injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence. Even so, you must face insurers who may object to your compensation claim or make a low settlement offer. An Ontario truck accident lawyer at Valero Law Group has experience representing injured victims and their families. Call the firm at today to schedule an initial consultation.