This is the next post in our series on the handling of truck accident cases in Hartford, Connecticut. Our last article provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing and it also stressed the need to contact a personal injury attorney if you or a loved one have been injured. It is important that you contact counsel sooner, rather than later, as such cases are far more complicated than ordinary car accidents. By immediately retaining a lawyer, you help to ensure that your rights are fully protected. In this article we will discuss an important topic – the need to identify all possible defendants in such matters. If you are in need of assistance then contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Hartford trucking accident cases may involve multiple defendants
Employers are generally considered liable for the acts of their employees. This means that if the driver of a commercial semi-truck causes an accident, through their own negligence, then their employer may also be liable for that negligence. Furthermore, employers have additional responsibilities when it comes to those they employ. These responsibilities include the need to be diligent as to who they hire, the need to provide adequate training, and the need to adequately supervise all personnel. This means that when the driver of a commercial vehicle causes an accident, then their employer and other potential parties may be named in a lawsuit.
The foregoing legal concepts are best explained by way of example. Suppose Joe is a Hartford businessperson who owns a semi-truck. He hires a management company to recruit a driver and manage the business for him. The company, in turn, hires a driver with a subpar safety record and does not have safeguards in place to make sure that the driver is following normal safety protocols. The driver then causes an accident when he runs a red light and hits a car. Under this scenario, the victim may be able to bring an action against the driver for negligence. They may also be able to bring an action against the management company for negligence as well as negligent hiring and supervision. Finally, the victim would be able to sue the owner of the truck. It is important to understand, however, that the liability of given parties will always depend on the specific facts of the case.
Connecticut law may prevent a truck accident victim from fully recovering their damages if they fail to name a party
If you or a loved one have been injured then it is crucial that all possible defendants be named as a party. Failing to do so may result in one not recovering the amount of compensation which they fully deserve. In some cases, the failure to include a liable party may result in a victim not receiving any compensation. It is, therefore, crucial that you retain an attorney who is experienced in handling such matters and who will name all possible defendants.
Our Hartford truck accident lawyers pride themselves in providing the highest levels of service. Our firm was founded in 1969, and our attorneys are able to assist in the most complicated of matters. We will use all of the tools at our disposal to identify the potential defendants in such a case and our firm will work to protect your rights throughout the process. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
We also service the areas of Wethersfield, New Britain, Rocky Hill, East and West Hartford, Bristol, Glastonbury, and Manchester, as well as the Middlesex County cities of Middletown and Cromwell.
