Truck accidents can leave behind devastating injuries and tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars worth of damage, so every effort to avoid such accidents needs to be taken. Sometimes a maintenance issue is one of the causes of an accident, and when this is the case a trucking company needs to be held accountable for its negligence and poor vehicle upkeep. If you or a loved one were injured in such an accident, a San Antonio, Texas truck accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation and name the liable parties.
How Often Do Vehicle Failures Cause Truck Accidents?
A recent study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration focused on this. The FMCSA found that the failure of a vehicle or part could be the primary cause of around 10 percent of truck accidents. That is already quite significant, but then we also have to look at times when poor maintenance could be a contributing factor to accidents
Many accidents have more than one cause. Sometimes multiple drivers can be to blame. Sometimes a road hazard helps to cause a dangerous situation. Then we have vehicle failures. They can also contribute to accidents and, according to this FMCSA study, they may have a part to play in around 40% of motor vehicle accidents that involves trucks. It is clear that trucking companies need to take their vehicle maintenance needs seriously, and that a company that does not do that is creating a dangerous situation for other motorists.
Can I Sue for Compensation After a Truck Accident?
Yes, if you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident involving a truck, you may have legal options. An insurance company might try to settle with you, but they are often just trying to get out of this situation for as little money as possible. These initial offers are rarely enough to cover all of the costs of your accident like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- A loss of earning potential
- Mental anguish and trauma
- The cost of future medical care
An experienced truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you fight for the compensation that you and your family deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Truck Accidents?
So if a maintenance issue is found to be a contributing factor to an accident, who is held liable? Your lawyer can help you hold all responsible parties liable for the harm that they have caused, including:
- The trucking company itself
- The mechanics who were supposed to keep the vehicles operating safely
- The truck driver, if they also contributed to the accident
Your lawyer will investigate and gather the evidence needed to show who was at fault for the accident and who needs to be held accountable.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you are ready to hold a negligent driver or trucking company accountable, contact Sahadi Legal Group. We can schedule a free case evaluation and tell you more about your legal options.