Negligent Supervision

Truck Accident Attorneys Advising Individuals on Cape Cod

The truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III represent people on Cape Cod and elsewhere in Massachusetts who have been hurt in various types of crashes, including those involving tractor-trailers. We understand the pain and stress that a serious collision can bring to those involved, as well as their families and loved ones. Our lawyers approach every case with personalized attention, a wealth of legal experience, and the compassion that comes with dedicating our careers to helping people recover from their injuries. We work tirelessly to seek the full legal remedies that our clients deserve, and we explore all options for resolving cases in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Seeking Compensation for the Negligent Supervision of a Commercial Driver

A trucking company that hires drivers to ship products or materials is likely to be held responsible for any accidents that a driver gets into on the job. Courts may hold an employer vicariously liable for employee-caused crashes and other accidents under a theory called “respondeat superior,” as long as the worker was acting within the scope of his or her job at the time. That includes a driver traveling from Point A to Point B as instructed by his or her employer. Should the driver wander off the expected path to run an errand or for other personal reasons, he or she may be deemed acting outside of the scope of the job. An employer may not be liable for accidents that happened during this time.

However, the negligent supervision theory is slightly different. An employer is generally required to ensure that its workers perform their jobs in a reasonably safe manner. For trucking companies, that means maintaining its fleet of vehicles in appropriate condition and making sure that its drivers are adequately trained. It also means monitoring drivers’ hours behind the wheel to confirm that they are complying with state and federal limits and that they are not too fatigued to safely drive their rigs.

To prove negligent supervision, a person injured in a truck or other accident must show that the employer knew or should have known that the driver was likely to cause an accident under the circumstances, that the employer nevertheless did not take corrective action to lessen the risk of a crash, and that the person was ultimately hurt in a crash caused by the company’s driver. A trucking company that allows drivers to go beyond the legal caps on the number of hours they can drive per week, for instance, is likely to be liable for an accident that happens when the driver falls asleep at the wheel.

Discuss Your Motor Vehicle Collision Case with a Cape Cod Lawyer

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, our lawyers have significant experience helping victims of truck accidents. Our track record of victories for the people whom we represent includes a number of six- and seven-figure settlements in motor vehicle collision cases. We take the time to understand the unique wants and needs of each client, and we work diligently with professional staff and outside experts to build convincing cases.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III can help. Our motor vehicle collision attorneys offer free consultations at our Cape Cod offices, which are conveniently located in Hyannis and Plymouth. We are also happy to travel to you if you cannot make it to us. We do not charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.