Can I Sue a Delivery Truck Company if I’m Hit by One of Their Drivers?

On This Page

1. When Can You Sue a Delivery Truck Company?
2. Why You Might Want to Sue a Trucking Company
3. Do You Have to File a Lawsuit to Get Compensation After a Truck Accident?
4. We Can Sue for Damages After a Delivery Truck Accident

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Yes, in many cases, you can sue a delivery truck company if you are hit by one of their drivers. You have this right due to vicarious liability, a legal concept that says employers can be held responsible for their employees’ actions. If a truck driver was negligent, therefore, you can potentially hold the company accountable.

Our Pittsburgh delivery truck accident lawyers can investigate your case, tell you who is liable, and take all appropriate legal actions on your behalf.

When Can You Sue a Delivery Truck Company?

Truck accident victims can sue a delivery truck company if the company is directly or indirectly responsible for a crash that causes serious injuries. Below are some hypothetical examples of situations where you could sue a delivery truck company after being hit by one of their drivers:

• The truck driver took a turn too fast, lost control, and hit your vehicle. Turning too fast is an act of negligence for which the driver’s employer could be held responsible.
• The trucking company failed to make sure the driver was physically fit for the job. The driver’s unnoticed medical condition contributed to an accident. In this case, the company itself was negligent and could be sued on that basis.
• The driver dozed off behind the wheel and ran a stop sign. This could be another case of driver negligence, or it could be a sign that the company was purposefully overworking its drivers to save money. Either way, you could potentially sue the delivery truck company.

You have up to two years to file your lawsuit, although it is generally best to get started as soon as possible rather than waiting until the last moment. This is because your lawyer will need time to build your case and possibly even try negotiating with the liable party’s insurance company before you sue.

Why You Might Want to Sue a Trucking Company

Filing a personal injury lawsuit offers benefits as well as challenges. The biggest benefit is that you have the chance to pursue financial compensation for your economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Medical expenses
• Vehicle repair and other property damage
• Loss of wages
• Loss of earning capacity

The challenges that truck accident victims may encounter vary from case to case. Our personal injury attorneys are prepared to help our clients handle challenges like:

• The difficult process of collecting enough evidence to prove that the liable party is responsible for your injuries
• Insurance companies that try to undervalue your claim, so they do not have to pay as much as you ask for
• Liable parties that deny responsibility for the accident or even try to blame you for what happened
• Insurance company representatives who refuse to negotiate in good faith or try to pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement
• Situations where you have to take the liable party to trial to get the money you are entitled to

While lawsuits can take a while to resolve, a successful outcome (appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses) makes it worth the time and effort. Plus, you do not have to manage your case by yourself: our truck accident law firm can handle your entire case on your behalf while you focus on regaining your health.

Aside from the financial benefits of filing a lawsuit, by taking legal action against a negligent driver and/or company, you prove that there are consequences for negligent behavior, no matter how large or powerful the at-fault party is. This could make your community a safer place for all drivers and ensure your family receives justice for the preventable harm you suffered.

Do You Have to File a Lawsuit to Get Compensation After a Truck Accident?

No, there are many cases where truck accident victims can recover financial damages without filing a lawsuit. In fact, insurance companies often prefer to settle cases like yours out of court by offering a pretrial settlement. This is typically the better option for all involved: in most cases, settling out of court is cheaper and faster than a trial.

If possible, our truck injury attorneys can start your case not by filing a lawsuit but by filing an insurance claim. We can send a demand letter to the at-fault party that:

• Describes the extent of your injuries
• Explains how the liable party caused the injuries
• States how much compensation you want them to pay
• Outlines next steps, such as when you would like the insurer to reply to the demand letter

If the insurer agrees to cooperate with your claim, they might offer what you need right away, or they might agree to negotiate for a fair sum.

In cases where we do have to file a lawsuit, it is still not too late to negotiate a settlement: the insurer could still agree to settle even after we file the paperwork. If they do not, we can:

• Set up trial dates
• Represent you in the courtroom
• Question expert witnesses and eyewitnesses
• Submit all necessary paperwork
• Make sure everyone always respects your rights

When someone’s negligence causes a preventable accident, the at-fault party in your truck accident case—whether they are an individual or a company—may owe you damages. It is important to secure the money you need to support yourself and your family throughout your recovery. Our legal team can pursue those damages and fight for your future.

We Can Sue for Damages After a Delivery Truck Accident

Berger and Green has over 40 years of experience with personal injury cases. We can investigate your accident and let you know if you can sue a delivery truck company if you were hit by one of their drivers. If not, our legal team can work with you to explore other options for recovering compensation. Call now and pay nothing until you win.