Many of us have been in automobile accidents. They are a fact of life. Thankfully, many of them are minor. However, those who have been in an accident involving a semi truck know all too well that a collision with such a large vehicle often results in serious injury.
The “new normal” after such an accident likely includes mounting hospital and doctor’s bills, surgeries and other medical treatments, a long rehabilitation and recovery process, lost work and wages and depression, anxiety and grief. Compounding these issues in difficult times are fears that you may never get proper compensation from those responsible. If you believe a trucking company is at fault in an accident, rest assured that help is available.
Could a Company Be Liable For Injury Compensation?
Like any employer, trucking companies like Purolator have to abide by rules and regulations related to workplace and, most importantly, highway safety. If the company is not thorough and careful both in the truck garage and on the open road, they could be opening themselves up for myriad legal claims, including personal injury.
There are several reasons a trucking company could be found liable for personal injury in a lawsuit. Grounds for company negligence include:
- Failure by a the driver to use proper caution when operating his or her truck and following all safety and highway laws and regulations
- Failure of the company’s mechanics to properly inspect or repair the truck, resulting in issues with the truck’s brakes, engine, wheels or steering system
- Failure by the company to ensure that all cargo and any trailers are properly secured to allow safe travel
- Carelessness by employees in moving cargo to and from the customer’s location
Negligence is the legal basis for finding fault for personal injury claims. The bottom line is, if you can prove that the company or driver was negligent, there is a good chance you can get compensation for your injuries.
Preparing Your Personal Injury Claim
If you have been in an accident involving a truck and think you may have a personal injury claim, you can help prepare for your case in the following ways:
- Take detailed notes as soon as possible after your collision. Record everything you and any witnesses can recall about the vehicles involved, the time of day, the weather and road conditions and, if possible, the health and state of mind of all drivers involved.
- Gather as many details as possible about any and all injuries suffered, no matter how small. Many accident victims do not begin to experience pain from related injuries until a day or two after the accident occurs.
- Collect details of all hospital and doctor visits, medical bills, lost work time and lost wages resulting from the accident.
- Ask your doctors for written statements detailing the extent of your injuries and linking those injuries to the collision.
- In addition to taking notes, take photographs of the accident scene, including pictures of the road and/or intersection in which the accident occurred, damage to the vehicles involved and any property damaged in the area of the accident, such as damaged road signs, guardrails, sidewalks and pavement.
If you feel you do have a personal injury claim against a trucking company, do not hesitate to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be the most important weapon you have in your battle for proper compensation for injuries and loss.
*The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Purolator Inc., or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
