There are a few differences between a car and truck accident. For one, injuries are often much more catastrophic when a big rig is involved. Another difference relates to liability. In a car accident, the other driver is typically the only liable party; in a truck accident, the employer also may be.
To determine if you have a case against the trucking company, you will first need to establish that they employed the driver, or otherwise directed him or her. However, even then it doesn't automatically mean the company can be found liable.
Federal laws regulate trucking companies in order to prevent serious accidents on the road. For instance, there are laws pertaining to the number of hours a driver can operate the truck. A violation may be one cause to hold the employer responsible.
In order to prove that the trucking company was liable for your truck accident in Kirkwood, Missouri, you will need to provide evidence that demonstrates a violation of some type.
If the truck driver ran a red light, and that was the sole cause of the accident, you would not be able to hold the trucking company responsible. However, if the truck driver ran a red light because he was tired and didn't see it as a result of working more than the maximum number of hours allowed, then both the driver and the trucking company could potentially be held liable.
These types of cases can be very challenging, which is why you will want to seek help from a Kirkwood personal injury lawyer.
Contacting a Kirkwood Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured it's important that you seek legal guidance from a Kirkwood personal injury lawyer who understands the intricacies of these very complex cases. The Kirkwood personal injury lawyer team at Bollwerk & Tatlow, LLC fights for Missouri residents. Contact us today - 1-314-315-8111.