Questions for lawyers Found 20

My car had a mechanical failure on the motorway, and while I was trying to get it off the road safely, another vehicle crashed into the back of it. I am worried I might be blamed for causing an obstruction. What determines liability in this kind of situation?

I run a transport business, and a trailer loaded with valuable goods was broken into and partially emptied overnight while parked at what I believed was a secure location. The client is demanding full compensation. Am I automatically liable?

I used a rideshare app and the driver drove dangerously, ran red lights and was clearly distracted by their phone. I felt unsafe throughout the trip. What can I do about this, and is the platform responsible for the driver’s conduct?

We imported goods that were held up at the port due to a documentation issue caused by our customs broker, and we were charged significant storage and demurrage fees while it was sorted out. Can we recover these costs from the broker?

My car was impounded by police after a driving offence, and I am not sure how long I have to wait to get it back or what fees I will need to pay. What are the rules on vehicle impoundment in New Zealand?

My company occasionally needs to transport large machinery that exceeds standard vehicle dimension limits. I have heard that special permits are required, but I am not clear on the process or what happens if we do not get one.

A delivery truck damaged part of our loading dock while a driver from an external transport company was manoeuvring on our property. The transport company says it was our fault because our dock layout is difficult. How is responsibility usually decided?

We are exporting goods and our freight forwarder mentioned issuing a bill of lading. I want to understand what this document actually does and whether ownership of the goods can be passed on to someone else using it.

My logistics business contracts out some deliveries to independent owner-drivers. One of them was involved in an accident while making a delivery for us, causing damage to a third party’s property. Could my business be held responsible even though the driver is not our employee?

I booked a delivery with a logistics company at an agreed price and timeframe, but they later emailed saying delivery would be delayed by several days and referred to a clause allowing them to vary delivery estimates. Is this something they can simply do?