Long Island 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Breaks Down Truck Owner Liability After a Serious Collision [Video Explainer]

One of the most common questions we hear at our firm is: Who do I sue after a commercial crash? The answer is usually broader than holding just the driver responsible. In fact, the truck owner, manufacturer, or even maintenance company could be held partly at fault, depending on what caused the accident. When you speak to a Long Island 18 wheeler accident lawyer at Matera & Manley, our attorneys can help identify every party that may be responsible for your injuries and losses.

Who Is Liable After a Truck Crash?

In this helpful video, Michaelangelo Matera explains who you can sue after a commercial crash:

After a crash involving a commercial vehicle, liability often extends beyond the driver. Depending on the facts, our attorneys may recommend filing a claim against one or more of the following parties:

• The truck driver
• The truck owner
• The trucking company
• The maintenance or repair company
• Another party involved in operating, loading, maintaining, or repairing the truck

Expanding the scope of an injury claim to place liability on more than one party will likely increase the potential compensation you could receive by engaging more than one insurance policy. At Matera & Manley, we know how to incorporate this into our legal strategy when building your claim. When you reach out after a truck crashes into your vehicle, our attorneys might look into whether:

• The trucking company hired a qualified, licensed driver
• The truck was properly maintained
• Any necessary repairs were made before the vehicle returned to the road

These details matter because companies are liable for their employees’ actions when they hire and assign tasks that could result in injury, under a legal concept called vicarious liability (VTL § 388). Owners can also be held liable when they allow unsafe equipment on the road. Alternatively, if they fail to ensure that their trucks are adequately maintained, they bear greater liability.

Moreover, commercial drivers may not use the same truck every day. A driver might use different vehicles based on the route or the needs of the company. In these cases, the truck owner or trucking company might be responsible for inspections and repairs. As experienced Long Island 18 wheeler accident attorneys, we know to look for these details to pursue accountability from every single party that may have contributed to the crash.

How a Long Island Attorney Takes Action After a Truck Crash

Matera shares how he helps clients after a truck crash in the video below:

As experienced Long Island 18-wheeler crash attorneys, we understand that prompt action can make all the difference in a personal injury claim. That’s especially true when they involve larger vehicles that result in more serious injuries than a car crash. When we work on your commercial truck crash case, we take several steps right away to protect your claim.

One of the first things we’ll do is notify the company owner. Then we determine the policy limits apply to that specific vehicle and pursue the highest amount we can. We work to preserve as much critical evidence as possible.

These steps are important because injuries involving larger commercial vehicles are often more severe. These trucks are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. When 18 wheelers crash, they generate a greater force of impact that can lead to significant injuries, long-term medical needs, and major financial losses.

Another detail our attorneys know to look out for is that deadlines may be shorter in certain truck accident cases, particularly when a government agency owns the vehicle. Bringing lawsuits against government agencies often involves special notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines. To that end, we always recommend reaching out to our practice as soon as possible after a crash. Our attorneys aim to initiate the process quickly and carry out your personal injury claim well within any deadlines.

Book a Free Consultation With a Long Island 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Commercial crashes are especially serious, leaving victims with staggering medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next. A Long Island 18 wheeler accident lawyer can fight to hold all liable parties accountable. This can help maximize the amount you receive in damages so you can move forward after a serious crash.

If you’ve been in a commercial truck crash, we recommend reaching out to one of our experienced attorneys as soon as possible. Matera & Manley is home to experienced Long Island attorneys with a proven track record of success and local legal expertise. Schedule a free consultation.