Truck accidents are among the most disastrous of auto accidents.
Pursuing compensation following a truck accident requires identifying the at-fault party, and there are multiple possibilities.
Truck drivers
Truck drivers are liable for their actions. If a driver violates traffic laws or industry safety standards, such as going over the allowed hours of service for commercial drivers, they are liable for damages when that breach of duty results in an accident. Common errors drivers make include speeding, driving under the influence and driving while fatigued.
Truck driver employers
Truck driver employers are sometimes liable for accidents caused by their drivers. For example, trucking companies are responsible for maintaining safe conditions for their trucks. They must conduct regular inspections and do any necessary mechanical work to keep the trucks running efficiently. Additionally, they are responsible for vetting drivers for traffic violations during their onboarding process and ensuring all drivers receive adequate training before allowing them to drive for the company.
A third-party entity
Sometimes the at-fault entity in a truck accident case is a third party outside the trucking company. Examples include:
- A mechanic outsourced by the company to do inspections and maintenance
- The party responsible for loading cargo on the truck
- The company that designed and manufactured a defective part on the truck
Some truck accident cases can result in multiple at-fault parties or lawsuits. For example, if the truck manufacturer is liable, you would file a product liability claim.
The first step in determining who is at fault for an accident is to pinpoint the exact cause of the wreck.