Liable for a Truck Accident
Trucking accidents are incredibly dangerous and can lead to life-altering injuries. They can also be devastating financially, with the victim having to pay for hospital bills and lost wages. However, figuring out who can be held liable for the accident is often difficult and confusing, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the law. Fortunately, experienced attorneys are able to help victims of trucking accidents recover damages for their losses.
The most important thing to know about liability in a truck accident is that there are multiple parties who can be held liable for the incident. These parties include the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Generally, the driver can be found liable for a truck accident when they violate any of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rules and regulations. These rules include having proper licensing, avoiding overloading the truck, and adhering to a strict rest and off-duty schedule.
In addition, the trucking company can be liable for the crash if they hire drivers who have a history of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The company can also be liable for an accident caused by the trucking company’s negligent hiring, training, and supervision of its drivers.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
A third party who owns the truck can be liable for a truck accident if the truck was not properly maintained. This could be due to the truck’s owner failing to take care of the vehicle or if the truck’s owner is a negligent mechanic who doesn’t conduct regular inspections of the truck.
The truck manufacturer can also be liable for a truck accident when it fails to catch and fix a defective part that leads to an accident. Typically, this happens when a new batch of parts isn’t tested and the result is a crash.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident and want to learn more about who can be held liable for the incident, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. This will enable you to gather vital evidence that may lead to a successful claim for compensation.
Other parties who can be held liable for a truck accident are manufacturers of other vehicles or trucks that were involved in the accident and road contractors who designed and constructed the roadways where the wreck occurred. This list is not exhaustive, and it’s always wise to consult with an attorney who specializes in commercial vehicle accidents before you make any decisions about how to pursue your claim.
State and local governments can also be liable for trucking accidents. They can be found liable for the crash if they fail to ensure that road design and construction comply with safety standards or if they fail to inspect roadways regularly. Debris can also cause trucking accidents, especially if it falls off the truck and is left on the road. This can lead to serious injury and damage to other vehicles in the area.