Trucking companies also have a duty to keep their commercial vehicles safe at all times. When they fail in this regard, and a truck accident happens, both they and their negligent truck driver may be legally responsible.
Whenever a large truck hits a smaller passenger vehicle, it is almost always the driver and passengers in the smaller car who suffer the most severe injuries. In those circumstances, accident victims can file a claim under their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy (like in a no-fault jurisdiction like Florida) or file a third-party claim with the negligent trucking company or truck driver's insurer, depending upon the circumstances.
One of the most important steps you can take following a truck accident is to retain legal counsel who can thoroughly investigate your accident circumstances and determine your eligibility for filing a particular claim.
If you can move forward, your lawyer can help you file a claim with the appropriate insurance company and work to maximize the total monetary damages you recover.
Moreover, if you can file a third-party personal injury claim against a negligent trucking company or truck driver, your attorney can file the lawsuit on your behalf and, if necessary, represent you at all legal proceedings, such as a civil jury trial or binding arbitration hearing.
Finally, your truck accident attorney will be by your side every step of the way, aggressively advocating for you and helping you maximize your monetary damages. Your lawyer can also answer all of your questions and help you make intelligent and informed decisions throughout every stage of your truck accident claim or lawsuit.