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How Do Truck Accident Attorneys Handle Cases Involving Multiple Parties-truck Company, Driver and the Manufacturer

January 20, 2025 
by LA Injury Group

How Do Truck Accident Attorneys Handle Cases? Truck accidents mostly involve complicated situations since there may be several parties liable or involved. Identifying liability can be an arduous process that entails proper knowledge in accident reconstruction law, coupled with compelling negotiation skills. Our  lawyers shall, therefore, provide assistance in research and documentation. 

We will help you navigate through the challenges in order to get you the compensation you deserve.

In this article I will outline how experienced truck accident attorneys at LA Injuries approach cases involving multiple parties

Identifying Liable Parties in Multiple Party Truck Accidents

These types of incidents involve several parties, making it more complex for the lawyer to handle. You will be required to get an experienced truck accident lawyer who has a track record for handling these types of auto accidents. Let us identify the liable parties in such a case.

How Do Truck Accident Attorneys Handle Cases Involving Multiple Parties-truck Company, Driver and the Manufacturer
How Do Truck Accident Attorneys Handle Cases Involving Multiple Parties-truck Company, Driver and the Manufacturer

The Truck Driver

The driver can be identified as the primary defendant because basically he is the one who had the truck when it was involved in an accident. The lawyer will have to determine if the driver was at fault. Was he negligent by over speeding, driving under influence or did he ignore traffic regulations?

If the driver was fatigued, for example, an attorney will have to look into his logbook to see if they had violated any of the federal hours of service regulations.

Trucking Company

The trucking company will be investigated to see if for some reason they failed to service the vehicle hence forcing the driver to work beyond limits or if they hired an unqualified driver.

The trucking companies may decline responsibility by claiming that the driver was not their employee but an independent contractor. Employing the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer will help you navigate this challenge and help you to get your rightful compensation.

Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers

The accident may have been caused by a defect in the truck. It may have had a faulty break or tires. If this was the case then the manufacturer will be held liable. On the other hand, if it was not properly maintained by taking it for service frequently, then the company will take liability for the claim.

Other Motorists

Other motorists on the road may be the cause of collusion. For example, a passenger vehicle can cut off the truck, making it lose control. In this scenario, the other driver can be sued..

In the above-mentioned scenarios, liability will be determined by an experienced attorney.

Determining Liability through Evidence

In this case, your key to winning your claim is having strong and enough evidence. This will give your attorney an easy time in proving liability. So what documents does he need in building a strong case?

Truck Driver Logs

The driver is supposed to keep logs of his driving hours according to the federal regulation laws in Los Angeles. This is to avoid accidents caused by fatigue. If it is proved that he broke these rules, then he is liable for the claim.

Police Reports

Police reports include, statements from witnesses, videos and pictures of the scene of accident and any other citation missed at the scene.

Black Box Data

This Black box includes speed,braking and engine performance. This data can be used to determine the liability of your case.

Expert Testimony

An accident reconstruction expert will analyse the scene and provide possible insights of how the accident occurred. This will help your lawyer to bring up a strong claim.

Maintenance Records

These records will prove if the company had been doing maintenance for the truck or not. If the records prove otherwise then the company will be held liable for the accident.

These documentation will help your attorney to build a strong case against the responsible parties.

Navigating Complex Insurance Claims

In this case, you will find that each defendant has his insurance company. Dealing with all these insurance companies and determining who among them is responsible for paying damages may be an issue that can be very complicated.  For instance, the trucking companies have substantial policies of insurance due to the high risks that surround the operation of commercial vehicles.

You will have to seek the services of a truck accident attorney who has experience to help you. He will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you are compensated well. The process will entail:

  • Calculating the full extent of your damage i.e lost wages, lost future wages, medical bills and pain and suffering.
  • Providing liability
  • Negotiate for equal sharing of compensation by each company.

Understand that most insurance companies would resort to early settlement offers. The reason is to avoid prolonged litigation procedures. However, early settlements present lower figures than what the current or consolidated figure will be entitled to. This is especially so if the accident in question involves injuries or even fatalities.

Soothing the Path to Effective Communication

Effective communication forms the basis for multi-vehicle accident cases management. Your attorney will be expected to relate well with all parties concerned in such a way that they may all be appropriately informed about the progress of the claim and information shared on time. This would help prevent potential misunderstandings, hence enabling the case to flow well.

Ensuring Compliance With Legal Deadlines

The lawyer ensures that all the legal deadlines are met. This will help eliminate the risk of losing your rights to compensation. This will include filing claims in time, complying with the court schedule and informing witnesses about the hearing on time. The attorney will help you ensure all legal documentation is done at the right time.

FAQS

Q: How Long Does a Multi-party Truck Accident Take To Be Solved?

A: It is difficult to predict how long the cases might take. But in most cases, they may take longer due to the complexity of identifying liable parties, gathering evidence, and resolving disputes. The duration can also be affected by the kind of lawyer you have. Always get an experienced one.

Q: What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident Involving Multiple Parties?

A: Seek immediate medical attention, document the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and contact an attorney as soon as possible. Any delay may compromise the outcome of your claim.

Q: Can These Cases Go To Trial, Or Are They Settled Out Of Court?

A: While many cases get settled out, some go to trial due to complexities involved or it can simply be because the parties cannot agree on liability or compensation amounts.

Q: What Laws Regulate Trucking and Impact Liability in These Cases?

A: In this case, Federal and State Laws, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), play a significant role in determining liability

Conclusion

A truck accident attorney will play an important role in handling your claim for fair compensation. He will safeguard all your rights and interests by managing all the necessary documents that need to be submitted on time, facilitating communication, and ensuring follow-up with the concerned insurance companies.

Contact us at LA Injuries for experienced attorneys for your multi-truck accident claim. We ensure you get the best from us. 

References

Federal Register Index 2024:

Federal motor Carrier Safety Administration 

https://www.federalregister.gov/index/2024/federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration

Self help guide 2024:

Personal Injury Cases

https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/civil-lawsuit/personal-injury
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