Who Becomes Liable For Big Trucks Crashes On A Road
Getting involved in big truck crashes on the road can be a frustrating experience. This is especially true if you suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence. When you’re injured, you may be entitled to file a claim against the responsible party.
However, the big truck claims are more complicated than car accident claims because several parties may be held liable for the crash, depending on the circumstances. Because of this, it’s essential to determine who can be held accountable for the incident so you can recover the right amount of compensation you deserve.
Read on to learn who becomes liable for big truck crashes on the road.
Truck Driver
The person driving the big truck when the accident occurred may be held responsible for what happened. Typically, there are many reasons why they may hold liability. For example, they may have broken a traffic law or become distracted while driving.
Also, they may be guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which may have caused the accident to happen. Furthermore, some other factors that could make the truck driver liable can include drowsy driving, long hours of driving, and many more.
There can be various reasons why an injured victim can sue the driver for a truck accident. But if you want to know more about truck accidents and how a truck driver may be at fault for the crash, you may check out this recommended reading.
Trucking Company
Another party that could be held accountable for big crashes on the road is the trucking company. They may have liability for the negligent acts of their truck drivers under the legal doctrine known as respondeat superior. This doctrine adheres to the rule that trucking companies are duty-bound to hire qualified drivers, follow federal regulations about trucking, conduct regular maintenance for their trucks, and many more. Also, just like shopping for a new car, a trucking company has to make sure the trucks they purchase are in good working condition and safe for driving.
Therefore, applying the doctrine on respondeat superior, the trucking company’s failure to fulfill these duties and obligations could make them liable for the losses incurred caused by abig truck accident.
Parties That Load The Trucks
Another party that may become responsible for significant truck accidents is the cargo company in charge of loading and securing trucks before the trip. In some cases, road crashes involving heavy commercial vehicles occur due to the negligence of the parties loading the trucks. This may be due to the improperly loaded goods.
For example, goods may fall off of the trucks, causing an accident on the road. Also, those which are improperly secured may shift during transportation, causing the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle while driving.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Big trucks are made from thousands of small parts and pieces of equipment. Without these components, these heavy commercial vehicles won’t function properly and safely on the road. However, when a truck collision occurs due to a failing part, the vehicle manufacturer may become accountable for the losses sustained by the injured victims.
If you’re injured in a big truck crash caused by a defective vehicle, you might be eligible to file a product liability claim to seek compensation against the manufacturers.
Maintenance And Repair Company
If the trucking company entrusts the maintenance and repair of their fleet to a third-party company, the latter may also become liable for a truck collision if it was caused by a maintenance issue or a failing part. For example, if they’re responsible for the inspections of the trucks to ensure their safety on the road, they may also hold liability if such failure contributed to what happened.
Government Agencies And Contractors
When a truck accident happens because of a roadway hazard such as a broken pavement or a soft shoulder, the government agency responsible for maintaining the highway may be accountable for what happened. Also, the contractors hired by the government may be sued if there’s showing that the work they did has contributed to the crash.
Bottom Line
Dealing with big truck accidents can be complicated and overwhelming. Aside from sustaining severe injuries, you may have to deal with multiple parties who may become liable for the crash. As such, you mayhire a lawyer to help you determine the liable parties for the accident. Your lawyer may identify the appropriate at-fault party you can hold accountable for your damages by conducting an investigation and collecting evidence.