Who Can Be Held Liable for Damages in a Truck Accident

The fault and negligence in a privately owned passenger vehicle collision are somewhat easy to determine. However, in the case of a collision with a semi-truck, determining liability for damages may not be as easy. 

The United States is home to the world’s largest trucking industry, with more than 15 million trucks on the road and more than 7.99 million people working in the sector in 2021. Experienced truck accident lawyers can help you identify all potentially responsible parties and will give expert advice on your available legal options. They understand the frustration and difficulty of determining liability and advise on the necessary steps to take after the accident.

The following parties can be held liable if you have suffered injuries in a truck accident and are looking to settle an injury claim:

Trucking Companies

Usually, the first party to be held liable is the trucking company. It is their responsibility to train their drivers and maintain their vehicles. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that the drivers receive proper training and that they have a valid commercial driving license (CDL).

Moreover, the trucking company is also obligated to maintain their vehicles. Regular mechanical checkups are a must, along with checking the electrical components. If a trucking company fails to meet the standards in both of the above-mentioned scenarios, they will be held liable for any incident that involves their trucks.

Truck Manufacturers

Trucks consist of hundreds of moving parts. It is the responsibility of the manufacturers of these components and those responsible for building the truck to guarantee their safety. Serious accidents can occur if vehicle components such as brakes, tires, steering systems, and electrical systems fail. Truck and component manufacturers who fail to ensure the safety of their products may be held liable and required to pay damages.

Cargo Loading Party

Cargo loading companies are responsible for ensuring that shipments of oversized cargo are adequately secured within weight restrictions set by law and by state and federal governing bodies. They should strictly follow the prescribed safety regulations.

Securing cargo susceptible to rolling or movement is crucial to preventing any possible shifting that could result in accidents. Violators of strict cargo loading regulations and guidelines may be held liable for injuries resulting from inadequately secured or loaded cargo.

Third-Party Vendors

Given the scale of a carrier’s operations, a substantial number of vendors may be engaged in contracting work. It may involve various administrative tasks, including driver recruitment, administration of background checks, and alcohol and drug testing; vehicle maintenance, repair, and dispatch; or any other activity associated with fleet operations. Some businesses use brokers to track cargo shipments for their vehicles. Liability can be imposed on any third-party vendor whose negligence causes or contributes to a truck accident.

From bad weather to equipment malfunctions, several factors can cause a trucking accident. To pinpoint the cause and determine the liable party, you must hire an experienced truck accident attorney. They have the experience, knowledge, and resources to establish liability and file a claim against the at-fault party.