Can Truck Drivers Sue Other Companies For Injuries On The Job?
Driving a commercial truck such as an 18-wheeler is a very dangerous job. Many people think that only occupants of smaller vehicles are at risk of being involved in a truck accident, but that is not true. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that truckers face higher workplace safety hazards risks than many other industries.
Truck drivers can also sustain catastrophic injuries when they are involved in a crash with another 18-wheeler or injured by improperly loaded or secured cargo when they arrive at the receiver and open their trailer doors resulting in cargo, like over-sized tires, falling and crushing the truck driver. Here, our San Antonio truck accident attorney provides an overview of these cases.
A Negligent Third Party Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Driver’s Injuries
Truck accidents happen for a wide range of different reasons. A trucker who was hurt in a crash may have a legal claim against another company. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the other companies that may be legally responsible for a trucker’s injuries:
- Another Trucking Company: Another trucking company can be held liable if they were involved in a collision with the injured truck driver. For example, if the other company was operating a truck and its overly fatigued driver caused a crash, that company may be liable.
- Companies Involved in Loading of Cargo: Companies involved in the loading of cargo and its securement can also be held liable if the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, causing the truck to be unbalanced and leading to an accident or causing cargo to fall out onto a truck driver when he/she opens a trailer door. This type of negligence can result in serious injuries to a trucker.
- A Truck Manufacturer: A truck manufacturer can also be held liable if the truck had a defect that caused the accident. For example, if the brakes on the truck failed and the driver was unable to stop in time, the manufacturer of the truck may be held responsible for the driver’s injuries.
- Highway Construction Companies: A highway construction company can also be held liable for a truck driver’s injuries. If the construction company was responsible for maintaining the roadways and failed to properly secure an area under construction, a truck driver could be involved in an accident.
What Compensation Can an Injured Trucker Recover in a Legal Claim?
Injured truckers need full and fair compensation to pay bills and support themselves. Through a personal injury claim in Texas, a victim can seek compensation for out-of-pocket losses and intangible damages. You may be entitled to recover money damages for:
- Medical expenses (Past, Ongoing, Future)
- Lost income (Past, Ongoing, Future)
- Diminished earning capacity, if you cannot return to the same line of work in the future
- Property damage
- Disfigurement (Past, Ongoing, Future)
- Physical Pain and Suffering (Past, Ongoing, Future)
- Physical Impairment (Past, Ongoing, Future)
- Loss of enjoyment of Life (Past, Ongoing, Future)
- Mental anguish, depression, and emotional difficulties (Past, Ongoing, Future)
- Loss of Household Services (Past, Ongoing, Future) (compensation to the spouse of the injured person)
- Loss of Consortium (Past, Ongoing, Future) (compensation to the spouse of the injured person)
- Wrongful Death (compensation to the spouse, parents, and children of the person wrongfully killed)
Call Our 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in San Antonio for Legal Advice
As a truck driver, the aftermath of an accident is extremely confusing. You do not have to navigate the claims process alone. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio 18-wheeler accident lawyer can advise you of your legal options and help you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
