Trucking Company Negligence
Truck Accident Attorney: Columbus Accidents Not Always Just The Fault Of The Driver
In some cases, someone who is partly responsible for a truck accident never steps foot on the scene. As a legally liable third party, trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure that their trucks are safely maintained and that their drivers are qualified for the job. Companies can run afoul of their legal obligations - and open themselves to legal action by truck accident victims - in a number of ways. Some of the more common dangerous scenarios include:
- Scheduling drivers on long trips without adequate sleep time.
- Allowing trucks to operate on the highway that are not properly loaded, balanced or secured.
- Neglecting to install safety devices, such as rear underride protection, that can minimize serious injury.
- Hiring drivers who lack either the proper licensing or specialized training.
- Failing to discipline drivers who violate safety regulations.
- Inadequate maintenance, inspection and repair of their vehicles.
When a trucking company is negligent in any of these duties, as well as many others under federal, state and local laws, they pose a danger to public safety. They should be held accountable if their behavior leads to a Central Ohio personal injury truck accident. You may be entitled to financial compensation for hospitalization and other medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, disfigurement or physical therapy. Investigating trucking companies is a key part of a personal injury lawsuit involving a big rig accident. An experienced attorney such as Scott Elliot Smith knows how to connect all the dots in determining liability in a trucking accident.
Truck drivers are viewed as "agents" of the company that employs them. When a truck driver is behind the wheel, he is acting on behalf of his employer. As such, employers can be vicariously liable for any wrongful or negligent acts committed by their drivers.
Contact an Experienced Columbus Trucking Accident Attorney
Scott Elliot Smith will investigate your truck accident to get the facts. He knows where to look for evidence of trucking company negligence. He knows the delaying tactics trucking companies use to try to hide their responsibility. And he knows how to build a strong case that can't be ignored.
In addition to the driver and the trucking company, other potential parties in a personal injury truck accident can include the truck manufacturer, the owner of the cargo and each of their insurance companies. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a trucking company that places more importance on profit than on public safety, call Scott Elliot Smith for a free consultation at 614-874-1056 or contact us online. We work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, we don't collect a penny in fees from you until we win a financial settlement on your behalf.
Attorney Smith can help you pursue compensation for your losses, but he realizes your case is about more than just money. It's about justice. It's about making sure you get the attention you rightfully deserve. It's about helping you get back to the place you were prior to the injury.
