Trucking accidents are a serious problem. There are so many lives lost and injuries caused by truck accidents. Trucks are huge; thus, the accident’s impact can cause catastrophic damage. Although determining liability in a trucking accident is complex, a lawyer can help you determine who’s liable. It can be the driver, truck owner, Cargo Company, or other vehicles.
Determining Who’s Liable for Trucking Accidents
Loading Companies
Cargo companies must ensure that cargo is loaded and secured correctly to prevent accidents. However, they will be liable for the damages if they fail to do so and the truck causes an accident. Also, if the company provides defective products, causing the driver to lose control, they may be liable. If suffer injuries from a truck accident, FrancisTXLaw.com will ensure you get compensation for the damages.
Other Motorists
Other vehicles can be held liable if they cause an accident by negligence, such as by driving carelessly, failing to yield the right of way, making an illegal turn, or tailgating. In addition, if a driver hits a truck, changes lanes without signaling, or makes a sudden stop, they can be held accountable for the injuries.
Truck Drivers
Drivers may be liable for damages if found negligent. For instance, if a driver speeds and loses control of the truck, causing a crash, or hits another car while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be held accountable. In addition, if a driver drives while fatigued, gets distracted by using a cell phone, or fails to obey traffic signals and causes an accident, they’ll be liable for the wrongful deaths, lost wages, and medical expenses of the accident victims.
Truck Companies
Trucking companies have to hire and train qualified and competent drivers to operate their vehicles. They may be held liable if they hire an unqualified driver. In addition, if the company fails to maintain its vehicles and its negligence causes an accident, it may be liable. In addition, if the trucking company fails to ensure the cargo is loaded securely or violates state regulations for commercial vehicles, they can be held accountable for injuries caused by their trucks if they cause an accident.
Truck Owners
If the truck owner fails to inspect the truck before it was put on the road or maintain it in good working order, they can be held liable if it causes injuries. Also, it’s the owner’s responsibility to repair defects in the truck, such as the steering system. If they fail to do so and the driver loses control and crashes into a car, they will be liable. The owner should also ensure they hire a qualified driver. Failure to do so will make them responsible for damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of a truck’s spare parts could be liable for a trucking accident if the defective part contributed to the accident. To prove liability, the injured party must prove that the spare part was faulty and that the defect contributed to the accident. Also, a lawyer should prove that the injured person suffered damages from the accident. Therefore, a manufacturer who sells defective brake rotors, tires, or steering wheels that may cause mechanical problems to the truck, causing an accident, can be held liable.
Crashes involving trucks always result in severe injuries. On top of that, victims have to pay hefty medical bills, endure pain and suffering, lost wages, and incur other expenses related to recovery. Truck owners, cargo companies, other motorists, and drivers can be held liable for the damages caused by a truck accident. Consult a personal injury lawyer to help you fight for compensation.
Also, Read: Let a Potential Personal Injury Law Firm Answer These 6 Crucial Questions Before Hiring Them
