A legal complaint is the official document that starts a truck accident lawsuit. It explains the facts of the case and outlines the legal reasons the injured person is seeking compensation. This document is filed in civil court and marks the beginning of the legal process.
Truck crashes involving commercial vehicles often leave victims with serious injuries, high medical bills, and more questions than answers. At Shaheen & Gordon, our New Hampshire commercial vehicle accident attorneys know how complex these cases can be. Our team has years of experience standing up for people injured in truck accident cases and holding trucking companies and drivers accountable through the legal process.
What does a legal complaint include?
A complaint in a truck accident case contains several key parts:
- The names of the injured party and all parties in a truck accident case, including the truck driver, employer, and other potential defendants
- A description of what happened during the accident involving the commercial vehicle
- An explanation of why the named parties are legally responsible
- A list of damages being claimed, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- A demand for relief, such as financial compensation through a settlement in a truck accident case or a court judgment
After a truck crash investigation is made and a complaint is filed, the other parties are formally notified. They will have a chance to respond and may either admit fault, deny the claims, or make legal arguments in their defense.
Who is typically named in a truck accident complaint?
In lawsuits involving truck accidents, multiple parties may be included, not just the truck driver. These may include:
- The driver’s employer or trucking company
- A commercial vehicle manufacturer or distributor, if a defect contributed to the crash
- A third-party cargo loader or shipper
- A truck maintenance company, if poor repairs played a role
- A government entity, if unsafe roads or poor signage contributed
A complaint may also name accident reconstruction experts and other professionals as part of the legal case to help explain what went wrong. In some cases, black box data from the truck is used to show speed, braking, and other behavior leading up to the crash.
What happens after the complaint is filed?
Once the complaint is filed, the formal legal process begins. Both sides will start to gather evidence, including documents, expert testimony, and other records. Your lawyer may consult accident reconstruction experts or obtain black box data from the truck to build your case.
The goal of this phase is to prepare for trial while also creating a strong position for negotiations. Many truck accident claims are resolved through a negotiated settlement, but your lawyer will continue preparing for court in case a fair resolution is not reached.
How can a truck accident lawyer help?
An experienced truck accident lawyer can review the facts of the crash, identify all responsible parties, help you gather evidence, and make sure that all deadlines are met. They will help guide you through the legal process, from drafting and filing the complaint to negotiating a settlement or representing you in court.
A legal complaint is more than paperwork. It sets the foundation for your entire case. If you were injured in a truck accident, having a strong complaint backed by clear evidence is key to holding negligent parties accountable.
Talk to a truck accident attorney today
Shaheen & Gordon is one of the fastest-growing law firms in Northern New England, with a reputation for solving complex legal challenges since 1981. We know how to investigate crashes involving commercial vehicles and build strong claims.
If you are considering filing a truck accident lawsuit, we’re here to help. Call (800) 451-1002 or contact us online to request a consultation.
