Truck accidents can involve several potentially liable parties who may share legal responsibility for a single crash. If you are a truck accident victim, identifying these parties can make a huge difference in recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The number of potentially liable parties involves is one of the main reasons why such claims are often more complicated than those involving smaller vehicles only.
The most obvious party who could be liable for a truck accident is the truck driver. Truckers, like all other motorists, have a duty to follow safety rules when on the road. However, some violate these rules by, say, speeding, driving under the influence, texting while driving or even working beyond their regulated hours. If a truck driver’s negligence or recklessness led to the accident, they could be held accountable for the ensuing damages. Below are some of the other parties that may be to blame.
The trucking company
Trucking companies are legally obligated to hire qualified and trained drivers, supervise their performance and ensure that their trucks are in good condition in line with safety regulations. A trucking company can be liable for failing to meet these standards, leading to an accident.
Manufacturers or dealers
Some accidents arise from defective truck parts or components, such as the brakes, tires or engine. The manufacturer or seller could be liable for the accident if a faulty truck component led to the crash,
Cargo loaders
Cargo loaders are responsible for ensuring that the cargo is well secured, balanced and within the weight limits of the truck. If the cargo is loose, overloaded or unevenly distributed, it could cause the truck to tip over, jackknife or lose control. In such instances, the cargo loader could be held liable for the damages.
Government entities or contractors
Road hazards, such as a pothole, debris or poor lighting, could have led to or contributed to the accident. If this is the case, the entity responsible for maintaining the road could be liable for the hazard.
Determining liability for a truck accident can be challenging, requiring a thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances of the crash. This reality amplifies the need for having qualified legal guidance from the get-go to help compile relevant evidence and ensure all the liable parties compensate you for your injuries.