Vicarious Liability in Stockton Truck Accident Cases: What You Need to Know if You Were Injured in a Serious Commercial Truck Accident
There is no question that when a commercial truck crashes into a car, motorcycle, or pedestrian, the damage can be catastrophic. 18-wheeler semi-trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, and even a momentary lapse in attention by a driver can cause life-changing injuries or death. Victims of truck accidents in Stockton and Modesto, California often face overwhelming medical bills, weeks or months of lost work, and ongoing pain or disability. In addition, one of the biggest challenges after a serious truck accident is figuring out who is legally responsible for the victim’s injuries and losses. The truck driver may have caused the crash, but in many cases, there are other parties who share the blame, including the trucking company itself. Sorting out fault in these cases is rarely simple, and getting fair compensation requires a clear understanding of how California law works. To help victims of serious truck accidents in Stockton and Modesto better understand how to sort out liability in a commercial truck accident case, we discuss the basics of vicarious liability here.
The Doctrine of Vicarious Liability in Your Truck Accident Case
Something that many Modesto and Stockton truck accident victims may not know is that in many commercial truck accident cases, the trucking company can be held responsible for the negligence of its driver under a doctrine called vicarious liability. This legal principle means that a trucking employer can be liable for the wrongful acts of an employee committed within the scope of employment. The law recognizes that companies benefit from their employees’ work, so they must also bear the risks that come with it. This is sometimes referred to as “respondeat superior,” which is a specific form of vicarious liability that applies in the employer-employee context. The trucking company may also face direct liability if it was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver, or if it failed to maintain its vehicles properly.
How to Get Compensation for Your Truck Accident Injuries
Getting compensation for your injuries after a truck accident in Stockton or Modesto usually involves filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit against all responsible parties. Under California law, you may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. In fatal accidents, certain surviving family members can bring a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses and the loss of financial and emotional support. There is only a limited time to bring a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim in Modesto or Stockton, so it is always best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a serious truck accident occurs.
Finding Legal Help in Modesto and Stockton, California
If you were injured in a serious commercial truck accident in Stockton or Modesto, California, it is important to speak with an experienced Stockton truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced Stockton truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash, identify all potentially liable parties, and handle communication with insurance companies while you focus on your recovery. Truck accident cases often involve multiple defendants, large insurance policies, and complex federal trucking regulations, making experienced legal guidance essential. Insurance companies for trucking companies have a set of procedures that automatically take effect when a trucking accident occurs. Lawyers are hired right away, witnesses are interviewed, experts are sent out to examine the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved are inspected and information from black boxes are obtained. You should have an experienced truck accident lawyer and experts fighting for your rights as well. An experienced truck accident lawyer can make sure your claim is filed on time, supported by strong evidence, and aimed at securing the maximum compensation available under the law.
If you were injured in a truck accident in Stockton, California or Modesto, California, contact the experienced Stockton and Modesto truck accident lawyers at the Law Firm of R. Sam. Contact The Law Firm of R. Sam today and speak with a lawyer now.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/vicarious_liability