Rear-Ended by a Commercial Vehicle?
If you are rear-ended in a motor vehicle collision by the driver of a commercial vehicle, you may have a legal claim against both the vehicle driver, as well as the company that employs the driver for damages. This is because a driver who is operating a vehicle within the scope of his or her employment is acting as an agent of his or her employer. The employer, therefore, may share in some or all of the liability for the accident.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by the driver of a commercial vehicle, you may be able to pursue damages by filing a claim or a lawsuit. The North Carolina personal injury lawyers at King Law Firm can assist you within bringing your claim, and if necessary, litigating your case through the court system. Please give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you with your personal injury legal matter.
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents
Drivers of commercial vehicles, including commercial truck drivers, are oftentimes in a hurry. Commercial drivers who arrive at their destinations sooner may be entitled to additional compensation, and these drivers are oftentimes encouraged by their companies to log as many hours as possible. However, this sometimes causes commercial drivers to operate their vehicles in an unsafe and careless manner. When people drive carelessly, motor vehicle collisions – including rear-end accidents – can occur. Some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents caused by commercial drivers include:
- Speeding — When commercial drivers operate their vehicles far in excess of the speed limit, they increase their chances of colliding with the back of another vehicle. Since commercial vehicles are typically much larger than passenger vehicles, such a collision can bring about serious injuries.
- Distracted driving — When the driver of a commercial vehicle is paying attention to an electronic device, such as a cell phone or tablet, instead of the road, he or she is more likely to collide with the rear end of another motor vehicle, bringing about serious injuries.
- Weaving — In an attempt to arrive at their final destinations sooner, many commercial drivers, including truck drivers, try to weave in and out of traffic in order to get ahead. When this happens, they increase the chances that they will cause a serious motor vehicle collision.
Filing a Claim or Lawsuit for Damages
In addition to filing a claim or lawsuit against the negligent commercial driver, you may be able to also bring a claim or lawsuit against the driver’s employer. In order to do so, the at-fault driver must be operating his or her vehicle within the scope of employment. If the driver is operating the commercial vehicle for work purposes, then the employer may also be vicariously liable for the driver’s negligent actions or inactions while on the road.
As part of any negligence claim, the accident victim may be able to pursue damages for his or her medical bills, lost earnings, pain, suffering, inconvenience, and other damages.
Speak to a North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Today
The experienced legal team at the King Law Firm can assist you with filing a claim or lawsuit for damages in a rear-end motor vehicle accident that involved a commercial truck. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney, please call us at (855) 206-0052 or contact us online today.