Trucking companies may be liable for a car accident when their drivers are at fault or when the company is negligent in hiring, training or vehicle maintenance. Factors such as improper loading, driver fatigue and failure to comply with regulations can also contribute to a trucking company’s liability.
Legal liability comes with costly consequences and penalties that could hurt your business financially or otherwise. Therefore, it helps to learn more about how things work and what you can do to protect your company’s interests in the face of a negligence claim.
Understand the legal landscape
While you may be to blame for the accident, it does not mean that you have to bear responsibility for all the ensuing damages. The other party’s contribution to the crash also counts.
Under Mississippi negligence laws, you are only liable to the extent or degree of fault attributed to you. For instance, if you share equal blame with the other party, you are only responsible for half of their damages.
Build a strong defense
When facing a negligence claim, the aim is to absolve yourself entirely or show a minimal degree of fault. As such, it helps to present a solid case or argument in your defense.
Gather compelling evidence such as accident reports, driver records, maintenance logs and any other relevant evidence that can help establish a clear and accurate account of the accident. Additionally, maintain detailed records of your company’s safety policies, training programs and compliance with industry regulations.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to safety can help refute claims of negligence and show that you prioritize the well-being of your drivers and the public. Equally advisable is reaching out for experienced guidance to understand all the legal complexities involved in trucking accident claims and more easily navigate the process.