5 Parties Who May Be Held Liable For A Truck Accident

Commercial trucks are much larger than traditional passenger vehicles. This size puts the passengers of a smaller vehicle at serious risk during any collision between a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck.

Severe, and often life-threatening, injuries can be sustained by the individuals in the passenger vehicle. You may be considering a lawsuit against the truck driver if negligence played a role in your accident, but there are other parties who might be held liable for damages as well.

1. Truck Driver

A truck driver's behavior behind the wheel can dictate whether or not the driver can be held liable for your accident. Reckless, distracted, or negligent driving can all contribute to a collision. A truck driver who was speeding, fatigued, or under the influence of a narcotic at the time of your accident can bear all (or part) of the blame.

2. Trucking Company

If the driver of the truck involved in your accident was employed by a trucking company, the trucking company could bear part of the blame for your collision. Vicarious liability is a legal principle that asserts the actions of an employee can become the burden of the employer.

A trucking company must complete background checks, provide proper training, and conduct routine drug tests to ensure their employees are as safe as possible.

3. Product Manufacturer

In the event that a faulty part on either the commercial truck or your own vehicle contributed to your collision, you can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of that product.

4. Cargo Loaders

It is often a third-party company that loads cargo into a commercial truck. The way that the cargo is situated on a commercial truck can have a direct impact on the driver's ability to maintain control.

Cargo that is not tied down properly, or that is unbalanced, can shift during transit. This movement has the potential to tip the truck, dislodge a product, or cause control issues. If a poorly loaded truck was to blame for your accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the cargo company responsible for loading the truck prior to departure.

5. Maintenance Companies

Many trucking companies outsource the maintenance of their commercial vehicles to professional mechanics. It is imperative that these mechanics use caution when repairing commercial trucks to ensure the safety of the vehicle and help avoid any accidents.

If you can prove that a maintenance company filed fraudulent repair reports or failed to spot a serious mechanical problem, you can name them as a party in your lawsuit.

Contact an auto accident attorney to learn more. 

Share