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In the United Kingdom, including Manchester, truck accident law falls under the broader field of personal injury law. This area of law deals with injuries sustained due to accidents involving trucks, lorries, and other heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Legal matters related to truck accidents can involve multiple parties including the driver, the trucking company, and insurance agencies. They often revolve around establishing negligence, determining liability, and then seeking compensation for any bodily harm or property damage incurred.
Following a truck accident, you may face complicated legal issues that necessitate expert advice. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, you may need a lawyer to help secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs. Furthermore, a lawyer can assist in establishing negligence on the part of the driver or the trucking company, which is usually essential for securing a favourable outcome. Disputes with insurance companies also often require legal representation, as does wrongful death litigation resulting from a trucking accident.
Truck accident laws in Manchester are largely governed by UK-wide legislation. However, there are a number of local laws and regulations relevant to truck operations - such as strict adherence to loading limits, compliance with driver hours, and maintenance of vehicle safety standards. Failing to abide by these can often lead to accidents and forms a basis for establishing negligence. Notably, Manchester like in other parts of UK, operates on a ‘fault’ system where the party found at fault for the accident is responsible for compensating the victim(s).
In the UK, personal injury claims including truck accidents usually have a three-year limitation period, starting from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge of the injury.
Victims of a truck accident can claim for both physical harm and property damage. This includes medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, loss of earnings, vehicle repair or replacement costs and more, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Liability is determined by establishing negligence. This could be the negligence of the truck driver, the trucking company, or even a third-party company responsible for truck maintenance. Negligence might involve poor driver training, overloaded trucks, or failure to perform regular vehicle checks.
In most cases, the compensation is paid by the insurance company of the party found at fault for the accident. This could be the driver's personal insurance or the company's commercial liability coverage.
A lawyer provides legal advice, helps gather evidence, establishes negligence, negotiates with insurance companies, and represents you in court if necessary. They aim to secure the maximum possible compensation for the victim.
The Citizens Advice Bureau offers free and impartial advice on a variety of legal issues including personal injury claims. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Freight Transport Association (FTA) also provide useful guidance on lawful trucking operations.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seek immediate medical attention. As soon as you can, get in touch with a lawyer specialising in truck accidents. They will guide you through the process of recording the incident, gathering evidence, filing a claim, and seeking the compensation that you are rightfully entitled to.
