Can I Sue the Truck Company After a Spinal Cord Accident?

One second, you’re driving down the highway, and the next, you’re sitting in a hospital bed with a spinal cord injury caused by a commercial truck. These tragic events happen so quickly and often lead to shock. While your top priority should be recovery, the next concern on your list might be contacting a truck accident attorney.

When you suffer a spinal cord injury from a truck crash, you should strongly consider pursuing compensation for your losses.  Spinal cord injuries frequently result in a lifetime of pain, anguish, and financial hardship as a result of medical bills as well as difficulty working.   Truck accident attorneys can help you determine who is liable, the value of your claim, and what your next steps should be.

Determine the Cause of the Truck Accident

Before you can know who is liable for a truck accident, whether that be the truck company or another party, you need to determine the cause of the accident. Truck accidents occur for many reasons, but there are some common instances to consider. 

Truck drivers and companies follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that are meant to keep them and others on the road safe. When they violate these regulations, it can end in disaster. 

For example, if a truck driver doesn’t meet the requirements for rest while driving for several consecutive hours, they could be fatigued. When drivers are fatigued, they cannot operate their trucks safely. 

Similarly, a truck company may not keep up with the necessary maintenance regulations, leading to the truck breaking down or maneuvering unsafely. 

Other common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding and other traffic violations
• Driving in bad weather
• Improperly secured cargo

Car accident attorneys will help you determine the cause of your accident.

When Can I Sue the Truck Accident Company After a Spinal Cord Injury? 

Once you know the cause of your accident, you can determine who is liable. In some instances, you can sue the truck company for your spinal cord injury. However, you must prove they are liable.

When determining liability, you must prove the truck company was negligent. There are four elements of negligence: duty of care, breach, causation, and damages. For example, the truck company has a duty of care to ensure the safety of the trucks and drivers they put on the road.

Truck companies may breach that duty by failing to provide proper training, not maintaining their trucks, or not conducting regular drug tests on their drivers. If their drivers act recklessly, they may also be accountable for that behavior.

You must then prove that the breach led to your accident. Finally, you need proof of your spinal cord injury as a result. This is why seeking immediate medical attention following your accident is important.

Damages You Can Collect From a Truck Company After a Spinal Cord Injury

If you and your truck accident attorney determine that the truck company is liable for your accident, you may pursue a personal injury claim against them. Personal injury cases can offer more compensation than the typical insurance settlement. 

Your lawyer will help you collect evidence from the accident scene, walk you through the claims process, and represent you in a trial if needed. 

The damages you can pursue for your spinal cord injury include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Suing a Truck Company After a Spinal Cord Injury? Contact Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck companies have skilled attorneys on their side, and so should you. Work with a truck accident attorney from Fadduol Cluff Hardy & Conaway P.C. We treat each client with individual respect and dedication. Call 800-433-2408 to discuss your case today.