Losing someone you love in a motor vehicle accident is incredibly hard, both emotionally and financially. It’s a time filled with grief and uncertainty. While it might seem like the driver at fault is the only one responsible, other parties could be involved, too. Some tragic crashes may stem from circumstances largely outside a driver’s control.
Knowing who these parties are can help you get justice and compensation your family deserves.
Employers for commercial drivers
If a truck or another commercial vehicle was involved, the company that employs the driver might also be responsible. They have a duty to:
- Train their drivers properly
- Keep their vehicles properly maintained
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations
If they fail to do these, you may hold them partly accountable for the accident.
Bars and alcohol vendors
Did the driver come from a bar or restaurant? Under dram shop laws you may hold these places accountable if they served alcohol to the driver who caused the crash. However, courts require you to prove that the business served alcohol to someone already clearly intoxicated. An experienced legal counsel may help you with this.
Vehicle manufacturers and parts suppliers
Defective vehicles or components can cause devastating accidents even when drivers follow safety rules. This is particularly true if they fail to inform customers about product defects like:
- Faulty brakes
- Steering malfunctions
- Accelerator issues
- Electrical system failures
In some cases, you may also be able to pursue a wrongful death case against a vehicle dealer if they fail to disclose such issues.
Government agencies and contractors
Government entities must maintain safe roads. Dangerous road conditions, missing signs or poorly designed intersections can turn fatal in seconds. If the agencies fail to do this, they share responsibility for the tragic results.
Finding answers and ensuring accountability
While nothing can replace your loved one, holding all responsible parties accountable may help you and your family find closure. Moreover, doing so may help prevent future tragedies and protect other families.
Finding out who’s responsible can be complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone. A skilled attorney can guide you through each step, helping you focus on healing while they work on getting you the compensation you deserve.