How to File a Lawsuit Against a Commercial Trucking Company

Have you been injured in a truck accident in St. Louis that was someone else’s fault? If so, you could have grounds to file a lawsuit against the company that operated the vehicle. An experienced personal injury attorney at Sumner Law Group, LLC, can help you pursue all your legal options for seeking financial compensation for what you’ve suffered as a result.

Key Steps in Filing a Lawsuit Against a Trucking Company

Here are the primary steps in filing a lawsuit against a trucking company after an accident:

• Hiring a personal injury lawyer to develop and present your truck accident claim
• Investigating the crash to recover evidence that your lawyer can use to build a case against the trucking company
• Evaluating your legal options for financial recovery, including identifying potentially liable parties
• Documenting your injuries and losses to determine what compensation you can recover
• Notifying the trucking company of your claim and presenting a demand for compensation

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Commercial Truck Accident?

Various parties may bear liability for the injuries and losses you sustained in a commercial truck accident, including:

• A negligent truck driver who caused the crash
• The trucking company, which may bear employer liability for a negligent truck driver or direct responsibility for causing a crash
• The truck’s mechanics, who may bear responsibility for an accident caused by negligent maintenance
• The truck’s manufacturer, if a design or manufacturing defect in the truck causes an accident
• Another motorist whose negligence contributed to the truck crash

What Evidence Do You Need to Sue a Trucking Company?

Truck accident victims need various types of evidence to effectively pursue a truck accident case against a trucking company and its insurance company, such as:

• The truck driver’s hours of service logs
• The truck’s load manifest
• The truck’s maintenance and repair records
• The truck driver’s post-trip inspection reports
• The truck’s event data recorder (black box) logs
• Police accident reports
• Traffic, surveillance, and dashcam videos
• Eyewitness statements
• Accident scene photos and videos
• Accident reconstruction expert reports and testimony

How Federal and State Laws Affect Truck Accident Claims

Federal and state governments closely regulate the trucking industry, imposing various laws and rules that trucking companies and truck drivers must follow.

For example, hours-of-service rules limit a truck driver’s time on duty or behind the wheel. Trucking regulations also require truck drivers to inspect their vehicles and cargo loads throughout a trip and impose rules and guidelines for securing cargo on a truck. Trucking industry regulations also require truck owners to inspect and maintain their vehicles and keep records of maintenance and repairs.

Truck drivers and trucking companies that violate these laws and regulations may create the conditions for a truck accident. They can also be held financially liable for losses when a crash occurs.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You File a Lawsuit Against a Trucking Company

Have you been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in the St. Louis area? If so, the experienced truck accident attorneys at Sumner Law Group, LLC, are ready to help you by investigating the crash to recover evidence of the trucking company’s fault, documenting your injuries and losses, and vigorously advocating for your interests at the negotiating table or in court.

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with our legal team to learn more about truck accident lawsuits and what the legal process involves. We have a proven track record of holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence through insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.