Determining fault and liability in a car accident is relatively simple. If Dwight rear-ended Andy, Dwight is probably at fault and responsible for Andy’s damages. But liability for damages in a commercial truck accident is much more complex: It could include the driver, the driver’s employer, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, third-party contractors, and the insurance companies who insure each of the aforementioned.
The identification and determination of the liable parties is key because each of them will likely carry separate insurance policies that could potentially all pay out separate amounts. Plus, each of these entities or parties will have to be named separately in the lawsuit.
To make matters more murky, there are national safety regulations that govern trucks and truck drivers, which may impact the various parties’ culpability and liability for your accident. Florida has adopted most of these commercial vehicle safety regulations (F.S. §316.302) as well. This means there are legal nuances at play in a truck accident that make it critical that you hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your case who knows these rules and regulations.
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