When a commercial truck gets into an accident, it is easy to assume the driver is entirely at fault. However, this is not necessarily true, as other parties could share blame in causing the collision.
Therefore, when an injured person brings a lawsuit after an accident with a commercial truck, investigating all responsible parties is important for maximizing compensation.
The driver’s employer
If the truck driver is at fault, an injured person’s claim will typically be against the driver’s employer. That is because the company is responsible for ensuring its employees drive safely on the road.
Additionally, the employer would be at fault if it did not follow safety rules or pushed the driver to work too many hours without enough rest. Liability can also occur if the company failed to provide proper training to the driver.
The loading company
The company that loads the truck plays a key role in ensuring the safety of the vehicle on the road. Loading the cargo incorrectly can lead to an unbalanced truck, which is hard to control and could lead to an accident. Likewise, if cargo comes loose and creates an obstacle, the loading company is probably responsible.
The maintenance or repair company
Trucks need regular maintenance and repairs to stay safe on the road. If the truck owner relies on a different company to handle this work and that entity is negligent, that party could also be liable to pay additional damages.
A vehicle or parts manufacturer
If an accident happens because of a defect in the truck or its parts, the vehicle or parts manufacturer can also be to blame. This situation could involve one or multiple entities, depending on whether the flaw was in the engineering,the manufacturing, or both.
Understanding who is responsible for a commercial truck accident is important for a claimant in order to receive the maximum compensation under the law. Any party who played a role must be held accountable for their part in the accident and provide compensation to the injured parties.