After being in an accident with a commercial truck, you might be adamant about filing a claim and seeking a financial settlement. However, it can be a challenge to figure out which parties might be included on your claim, as many could be at fault. Here are three entities that you may want to name.

The Truck Driver

The person operating the truck is the most obvious party for inclusion on your claim. Erratic driving, improper turns and other actions by the truck driver could make them responsible for your accident. Not only that, but the driver could also have been driving longer than they should have been. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has guidelines in place that discuss how long a truck driver should be traveling, but some drivers attempt to skirt these rules in an effort to get their loads to their destinations more quickly. A lawyer can help you investigate whether a driver was on the road when they should have been resting.

The Trucking Company

The driver might not be the only entity who is at fault for the accident; the trucking company that employs them could be liable for many reasons. For instance, there could have been problems during the hiring process where the company failed to discover whether the driver had the appropriate license. They may not have tested the driver for alcohol and drug use.

The company employing the truck driver could also be partly responsible for your accident if they did not pay close enough attention to how many hours the driver was on the road. If the company overscheduled the driver, they could be at fault.

The company is also responsible for maintenance on the commercial truck itself. Flat tires, failing brakes and other problems could be reasons that you name the trucking company in your claim.

It is important to note that the company might not be at fault if the driver is not an employee. Independent contractors who drive trucks sometimes sign contracts with companies that absolve the company of any responsibility related to their driving.

The Manufacturer or Owner

Another party that might be responsible for the events that led up to the accident is the owner of the cargo being carried by the commercial truck. The owner or manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that their containers, cannisters and boxes are sealed and shut properly. If leaks or spills happen or box tops come open and products fall all over the road, the driver and trucking company are not to blame for that; the manufacturer or owner might be the party you want to file a claim against.

Now that you have a better idea of which parties could be at fault, consult a lawyer with experience in truck accident cases. They can help determine how you should proceed. Visit a site like http://www.snyderwenner.com for more information.

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