Who Can You Hold Liable for a Semi Truck Accident?
When it comes to a commercial trucking operation, there are several parties involved. But who can you hold liable when a trucking accident occurs? The usual suspects are:
- Truck Driver
- Trucking Company
- Vehicle Manufacturer
- Loading Company
Truck Driver
The leading cause of commercial trucking accidents in the US are truck drivers. Some of the common reasons why a truck driver caused the accident include:
- Driver Fatigue
- Alcohol or Drug Impairment
- Speeding
- Medical Problems
- Violating Hours of Service Rules
It is important to find an experienced attorney who will investigate the driver involved to find out if he or she has a record of driving violations. Additionally, your attorney should be able to review the data from the black box recorder to determine if the truck driver was speeding or failed to brake in time to prevent the accident. Call our office if you need a recommendation to an attorney who can help you.
Trucking Company
Trucking companies can be help liable for the actions their employed drivers. Often times, the trucking company becomes responsible for resulting damages. So why can the trucking company be liable?
- Failure to test its drivers for drugs and alcohol
- Neglects to hire qualified drivers
- Does not provide proper training to its drivers
- Hires drivers with poor driving records
- Forces its drivers to violate the hours of service rule
It is not unusual for a trucking company to try to avoid liability by claiming the driver was an independent contractor and not an employee of the company. This is something your attorney can discover, helping solidify your case.
Vehicle Parts Manufacturers
A defective automotive part resulting in the trucks failure to operate safely can also be a cause of an accident, and potentially making the parts manufacturer liable for the accident. Defective parts can contribute to failures such as:
- Transmission Failure
- Tire Blowouts
- Brake Failure
- Steering Failure
An experienced attorney can determine if the part in question was defective part installed, or if was previously recalled.
Loading Company
Most commercial trucking companies outsource the loading responsibilities to another company. That loading company is responsible for ensuring the cargo is properly and safely secure. If the cargo is not secure, the cargo may fall out of the back of the truck, or shift while in motion causing the truck to flip on its side.
Our Conclusion!
If you were the victim of a commercial trucking accident, hire an experienced attorney who can help uncover the liable party. If you have been injured and are in need of medical care, or have a Letter of Protection document and in need of care, schedule a consultation with our medical providers in one of our injury and rehab clinics conveniently located in Plano, Waxahachie, and Grand Saline.
Call (469) 210-7881