When tractor-trailers are involved in accidents, unfortunately, severe carnage is relatively common. Because of their massive size and weight, the potential for significant damage is highly likely.
When it comes to truck accidents, there are a number of parties that can be held responsible, depending on the particular circumstances of the crash.
These are the various parties that may be held accountable for a trucking accident:
The Truck Driver
Obviously, there are times when truck drivers themselves are responsible for the accidents they’re involved in. When this is the case, it is usually the result of:
- A violation of the law
- An operational issue within the truck
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
If a trucker is involved in a crash as a result of intoxication, he or she may be held solely liable for the resulting damages.
Some other reasons truckers may cause crashes include:
- Long hours in a single trip
- Nighttime driving
- Drowsy driving
- Health conditions
The Trucking Company
The company that hires the truck driver can be held responsible for a truck accident for the following reasons:
- Failing to complete a vehicular inspection
- Cutting corners around safety
- Unrealistic expectations pushing the driver further than is reasonable in an attempt to meet deadlines
Investigations often show that the trucking company and manufacturer are both responsible for an accident as a result of faulty equipment and cutting corners to increase speed.
The Truck Owner
If the trucking company does not have ownership over the truck but instead uses it and provides it for a truck driver, the owner of the vehicle may share liability in a truck accident. The owner may be responsible for the following:
- Vehicular inspections
- Engine checks
- Tire upkeep
- The functionality of the truck’s internal workings
The truck owner must maintain the necessary parts, including:
- Brakes
- Vehicular fluids
- Electronic system
The federal government has regulations in place governing the inspection and maintenance of commercial vehicles. If the truck owner fails to meet these requirements, he or she may be liable for damages in a resulting crash.
The Cargo Loaders
If the cargo on a truck causes an accident, the loader may be held responsible for damages. This typically happens when the loader fails to adequately load the truck and properly secure it, and as a result, the cargo falls off the truck and causes an accident.
The Manufacturer
The manufacturer of some of the parts on the truck may be held liable for damages if there is a defect that causes a crash. This is often the case when the parts batch malfunctions causing a tire blowout, a failure with the truck’s mechanics, or faulty brakes. In such a situation, the manufacturer of the parts will be held liable for the damages.
We Know How to Help You When It Matters Most
If you’ve been hurt in a tractor-trailer accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys have helped many other people in similar situations, and we may be able to help you, too.
Having a skilled truck accident attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. Here at the firm, we know the tactics insurance companies use to take advantage of claimants, which means we also know how to fight back against these tricks that are almost always unfair to claimants.
Don’t hesitate to contact our office right away with any questions you may have. We are ready and prepared to help you now.
Contact the skilled team at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law, PC today at (877) 989-4878 or by filling out our online contact form to discuss the details of your case.