Truck accidents can be appalling, not only owing to the physical injuries suffered but also due to the complicated legal proceedings. Moreover, when multiple liable parties are involved in a truck accident, the claim options involved can be quite daunting. Learning how to proceed with the claims is essential for victims seeking compensation.
Richmond, Virginia, one of the oldest cities in America, is no stranger to truck accidents. People of Richmond have sustained physical, emotional, and financial losses as a result of truck accidents. Hiring a Richmond truck accident lawyer is the best way victims can get their lives back on track.
This post will examine the options to consider when multiple liable parties are involved in a truck accident case in Richmond, Virginia.
Identifying Liable Parties
In most truck accident cases, the liability of the incident is not just limited to the driver. Multiple parties may be involved in the disaster, such as:
- Truck Driver: The driver can be responsible for the incident if they were negligent in their duty, such as driving under the influence, overspeeding, or distraction.
- Trucking Company: Companies are often responsible for accidents, in cases where they push drivers to violate the hours of service rules or fail to perform routine maintenance checks.
- Truck Manufacturer: If there is a defect or flaw in the truck design and safety regulations, the manufacturer is held responsible.
- Cargo Loaders: Improper or overloading cargo can often lead to fatal accidents. In this case, the cargo loader is responsible.
- Maintenance or Servicing Company: If the truck isn’t maintained or serviced properly, the company responsible for its upkeep is liable.
Understanding the various parties and who is responsible is the first step towards strengthening your case.
What to Do After the Accident?
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Health is the top priority. So, after an accident occurs in Richmond, seek immediate medical attention for injuries sustained.
- Proper Documentation: Carefully gather documents of the scene. It includes photographs, witness testimonials, and police reports on the incident. It will later help in determining the liability.
- Notify Insurance Provider: Inform your insurance provider immediately after the accident. However, cautiously share the details of everything until you have legal representation.
- Lawyer Consultation: Consult a lawyer immediately, but one who has expertise in handling such accidents. Especially, experience in handling the complications of multiple parties involvement. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you go through the entire process smoothly and save your rights.
Your Attorney’s Role
An experienced Richmond attorney will take all the necessary steps to fight your case and ensure all liable parties are accountable.
- Primary Investigation: Your attorney will investigate everything carefully. This includes accident reports, maintenance records, and driver papers. This will ensure liable parties are brought to light.
- Negotiation: The lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies of the parties involved. It can be complicated, especially, if the insurance providers blame each other.
- Litigation: If the negotiation process does not bring good results, your lawyer will file a lawsuit. Attorneys with litigation experience will effectively put your case in the court.
Significance of Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Virginia follows the concept of the Contributory Negligence Rule, and understanding it is very essential. It means that if the victim has even the slightest fault in the accident, they cannot claim compensation.
This shows the importance of hiring a skilled and experienced attorney to handle your case. They can prove that you are not at-fault for the accident and deserve the compensation.
Final Thoughts
It can be difficult to navigate the aftermath of a truck accident in Richmond when multiple parties are at fault. However, victims can seek the right compensation with legal assistance. You can effectively defend your rights by knowing who might be held accountable for what and taking the right steps after an accident.
Related: How to Choose a Lawyer for Your Premises Liability Lawsuit