Disputes are common in the trucking industry. Truck companies face a variety of liability risks, and they often have to deal with legal issues.
If you are dealing with a lawsuit or other dispute, you may be wondering what your options are for resolution.
Common risks companies face
Techsling discusses some of the most common liabilities that trucking companies potentially deal with. A clear one is the risk of accidents. The sheer size of large trucks, as well as the lack of understanding by other drivers on how to maneuver around trucks, increase the chances of collisions and injuries to other vehicle occupants.
Fatalities are also common with accidents involving trucks. This puts the companies in the position of dealing with wrongful death lawsuits, which have financial and reputational consequences.
There are many regulations that trucking companies and truck drivers must follow. Violations of these may result in fines or even jail time. Another risk is property damage and cargo theft.
Dispute resolution methods
The Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation outlines the three common dispute resolution methods used to deal with disputes. Mediation involves both sides working together, with the help of a neutral party, to come up with an agreeable solution. Arbitration also involves a neutral party, but this arbitrator makes the final decision after listening to the evidence presented by each side.
Litigation is the one people are most familiar with, and it is also often better suited for more complex cases. Each side presents evidence and witness testimonies in front of a judge or judge and jury. After each side rests its case, the judge or jury makes a ruling. Not all litigation cases end up in court, as some come up with a settlement before the trial begins.