New Hampshire Auto Accident Compensation
Compensation — When you suffer serious injuries because of an accident caused by another’s negligence, you need a lawyer who will identify all the potential defendants, and all the potential legal theories of recovery, to ensure you receive all the compensation that you should.
For example, the victims of the Massachusetts truck driver accused of killing seven motorcyclists in Randolph, New Hampshire, on June 21 would certainly have claims against the truck driver individually, if the tragic injuries and fatalities suffered that evening prove to have been caused by his negligence. But, other potential defendants, and other potential claims, may also exist.
News reports indicate that the truck driver (Volodymyr Zhukovskyy) was acting in the scope of his employment when he crossed the center line on June 21, causing the catastrophe. If this proves true, Zhukovskyy’s employer may bear responsibility for his negligence under a principle of New Hampshire law called vicarious liability.
That employer, Westfield Transport, could also be subject to a negligent hiring claim. According to the Boston Globe, Connecticut police arrested Zhukovskyy for drunk driving as recently as May 11. Zhukovskyy’s criminal record also contains earlier arrests for drunk driving and possession of heroin and cocaine, the Globe reports. Westfield Transport could face negligent hiring claims if the company failed to exercise reasonable care in hiring as a commercial driver someone with such a history of operating motor vehicles in a dangerous manner.
Exploring potential claims against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would also be appropriate. Massachusetts officials have admitted that information they received from Connecticut regarding Zhukovskyy’s May 11 drunk driving arrest should have led them to terminate his commercial driver’s license, according to the Globe. But Massachusetts failed to act as it should have done, setting the stage for the tragedy that unfolded June 21.
How Hiring an Attorney Can Impact Compensation
Hiring an attorney can have many positive affects on your case. Not only will the attorney be able to advise you in filing your claim, they will also be able to give you advice when talking to your insurance company. Our New Hampshire attorneys are experienced in auto accident cases and understand how New Hampshire law can affect your claim.
If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by another, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer such as Benjamin King at Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, PC, who will thoroughly analyze your case and pursue recovery against all persons and entities that may bear responsibility for the harm you have suffered. Please call (603) 288-1403 or fill out our online contact form.