A 40-year-old man was driving home from work when a commercial truck driver lost control, went left of center, and struck and killed him.
General Wrongful Death Information
Wrongful Death Lawsuits Against Commercial Carriers
Wrongful death lawsuits are legal actions that may be filed by family members or other beneficiaries. They are filed when the death of a loved one was caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. When the party responsible for the wrongful death is a commercial carrier, such as a trucking or transportation company, the legal issues involved can be complex.
The loss of a loved one is a terrible tragedy, especially when the cause was recklessness or negligence. When legal matters make it difficult for the family to receive damages, the surviving family can feel hopeless.
I have more than 40 years of experience working against and fighting with an insurance company in a wrongful death suit. Commercial drivers do not always obey the speed limit, use their hazard lights, rest, or keep their tractor trailer load steady. As proven in the case discussed above, and the $3.5 million settlement, I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Laws That Limit Suits Against Commercial Carriers
In wrongful death cases involving commercial carriers, there are several laws that may protect these companies from being sued. Or these laws may limit the damages that can be awarded. Here are some of the most common laws:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR): These regulations set safety standards for commercial motor vehicles that operate in interstate commerce. While they are primarily designed to ensure safe operation of these vehicles, they may also provide a defense for commercial carriers in wrongful death cases.
- Carmack Amendment: This law governs liability for damage or loss of property in interstate transportation. It can be applied in cases where death was caused by a commercial carrier’s negligence. The Carmack Amendment limits the amount of damages that can be claimed by the victim’s family, and sets a one-year time limit for filing claims.
- Contributory Negligence Laws: These laws prevent a plaintiff from recovering damages if they contributed in any way to their own injuries or death. If the victim was partially at fault for the accident, the company may argue that they are not fully liable for the damages.
- Workers’ Compensation Laws: In cases where the victim was an employee of the company, workers’ compensation laws may limit the damages that can be awarded in a wrongful death case.
- Statutes of Limitations: These laws limit the amount of time that a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit. If the family of the victim does not file their lawsuit within the specified time period, they may lose their right to recover damages. For personal injury claims in Ohio, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury.
It is important to note that while these laws may limit the damages that can be awarded in a wrongful death case, they do not provide complete immunity for commercial carriers. If the commercial carrier was found to have been negligent or otherwise responsible for the death, they may still be held liable. The liability will require them to pay damages to the victim’s family.
I am here to help navigate the legal process, and help you to receive compensation for your loss. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, call me to discuss your potential case. I have a long history of delivering successful results, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Frequency Of Homicides By Commercial Carriers In The United States
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) publishes annual reports on large truck and bus crashes. This provides information on the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles.
According to the most recent FMCSA report, there were 4,951 large trucks and buses involved in fatal crashes in 2018, which resulted in 4,415 fatalities. This represents a 1% increase in the number of large trucks and buses involved in fatal crashes from the previous year. It’s important to note that not all of these vehicles may be classified as commercial trucks. The report also includes buses and other large vehicles.
It is very important for trucking and busing companies to hire responsible drivers. Equally as important is equipment upkeep. Neglecting either of these can have very dire consequences. If your loved one suffered a wrongful death because of a commercial vehicle, call me today.
History Of Settlements For Vehicular Homicide With Commercial Carriers
Legal settlements with commercial truck carriers in vehicular homicide cases can vary widely depending on the specific facts of the case. Here are some examples of high-profile settlements in recent years:
- In 2019, the family of a man who died in a crash involving a Greyhound bus settled with the bus company for $27 million. The crash occurred when the bus driver fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a concrete barrier.
- In 2018, the family of a woman who died in an accident involving a FedEx truck settled with the company for $10 million. The accident occurred when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle and crossed into oncoming traffic.
- In 2018, the family of a woman who died in an accident involving a trucking company settled with the company for $42 million. The truck driver rear-ended the victim’s vehicle, causing it to burst into flames.
- In 2017, the family of a man who died in a crash involving a UPS truck settled with the company for $5.5 million. This was caused when the truck driver ran a red light and collided with the victim’s motorcycle.
- In 2016, the family of a man who died in an accident involving a Walmart truck settled with the company for $10 million. The truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and collided with the victim’s vehicle.
These settlements show the devastating impact that vehicular homicide accidents involving commercial carriers can have on the families of the victims. I know, monetary compensation can never fully make up for the loss of a loved one. But, it can help to provide some measure of closure and financial support for those left behind.
Losing a loved one is incredibly hard, and even harder when the cause is due to wrongful death. I am here for you. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®