According to data from the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America, over 5,000 people die in accidents involving large commercial vehicles each year. Property damage and injuries from these accidents can be serious, and that is why clients need experienced trucking accident attorneys. Victims can click here to learn more about how a truck accident lawyer can help.
Application of the Comparative Negligence Theory
In the comparative negligence theory, a person can receive damages even if they share the blame for an accident. However, the theory differs by jurisdiction. For instance, if a plaintiff is found to be 50% at fault, they can only receive 50% of their losses. A truck accident attorney in Gonzales LA can apply the theory of comparative negligence to help a client get money to cover some losses.
Filing Lawsuits on the Client’s Behalf
Next, an attorney may be able to bring legal action against multiple parties. Most people believe they can sue only the driver. However, it may be possible to sue a truck maker for a manufacturing defect, and a trucking company may be sued if the accident was due to a violation of federal law. Companies shipping hazardous materials may be held liable in the event of an accident, and an attorney may even be able to file suit against a government entity.
Investigating the Case
When a person is hurt, they need an advocate to protect them from the insurance and trucking companies. These entities will have investigative teams on the scene quickly; in some cases, even before police arrive. A trucking accident lawyer will also have a team to do research on the client’s behalf, and they may be able to call in industry witnesses.
Getting Relevant Information
While an attorney handles a case, they can get information from other parties. For example, an attorney may be able to get the driver’s medical history or driving record, and they can contact the company to find out the driver’s service hours on the accident date. If a company or a driver violated a rule in any way, a lawyer can uncover that information and use it to the client’s advantage.
A Truck Accident Attorney in Gonzales LA will use the knowledge they’ve acquired about the case to help a client win in court. However, clients should consider that each area has different rules on commercial trucking, and those rules can substantially affect a case.
