Commercial truck accidents are some of the most devastating collisions on the road. Due to their massive size and weight, trucks can cause severe injuries and property damage. When a truck accident happens, determining who is responsible can be complex. Is it the driver, the trucking company, or another party? Understanding liability in commercial truck accidents is crucial for victims seeking compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, an experienced commercial truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal challenges and hold the right party accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Commercial Truck Accident?
Liability in a truck accident is not always straightforward. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the crash. Here’s a breakdown of the most common liable parties:
1. The Truck Driver
Truck drivers are often the first to be scrutinized in an accident. They may be responsible if the crash resulted from:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Fatigue due to driving beyond legal limits
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, or using a GPS)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to inspect or secure cargo properly
Even if the driver is at fault, their employer or another party may still share liability.
2. The Trucking Company
Trucking companies can be held accountable for accidents if they:
- Encourage unsafe practices – Some companies push drivers to exceed federal driving hour limits, leading to fatigue-related accidents.
- Hire unqualified drivers – If a company hires a driver with a poor driving record or without proper training, they may be liable.
- Fail to maintain trucks – Trucking companies must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. Neglecting regular inspections and repairs can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other dangerous conditions.
- Neglect compliance with federal regulations – Companies that disregard trucking laws, such as weight restrictions or required rest breaks, can be held responsible for resulting accidents.
3. The Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider
If a defective part, such as faulty brakes or a steering system failure, caused the accident, the truck’s manufacturer or maintenance provider could be liable. Trucking companies and drivers rely on properly functioning vehicles, and when defects or poor maintenance contribute to a crash, these third parties may share responsibility.
4. Cargo Loaders and Shippers
Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can be dangerous. Cargo shifting during transport can cause rollovers, jackknifes, or lost loads on the highway. The party responsible for loading the truck—whether it’s the trucking company, a third-party logistics provider, or the shipper—may be held accountable if an improperly loaded truck causes an accident.
5. Government Entities and Road Maintenance Crews
In some cases, unsafe road conditions contribute to truck accidents. If poorly maintained roads, missing signs, or hazardous construction zones played a role, a government entity or road maintenance crew could be partially liable.
How Federal Regulations Affect Liability
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict regulations on the trucking industry to improve safety. These include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) regulations – Limits on how long truckers can drive before taking a break to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
- Weight restrictions – Rules about how much cargo a truck can legally carry.
- Routine inspections – Requirements for regular vehicle maintenance and safety checks.
Violations of these regulations can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a truck accident case. A commercial truck accident lawyer can investigate whether any regulations were broken and use this information to strengthen your claim.
Why You Need a Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking accident cases are more complicated than regular car accidents. Here’s why hiring a commercial truck accident lawyer is crucial:
- Determining Liability – Lawyers investigate accident reports, trucking company records, and driver logs to identify all responsible parties.
- Handling Large Trucking Companies and Insurers – Trucking companies have powerful legal teams and insurers who will try to minimize payouts. An experienced lawyer fights to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Gathering Critical Evidence – Your attorney will collect black box data, dashcam footage, driver records, and maintenance logs to prove negligence.
- Maximizing Your Compensation – You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A skilled lawyer ensures you receive the full amount you deserve.
Contact M&Y Law Company for Experienced Truck Accident Representation
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t take on the legal battle alone. At M&Y Law Company, our experienced commercial truck accident lawyers have a proven track record of fighting for victims’ rights and securing maximum compensation.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get justice.
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