Which Parties Can Be Liable for a Truck Accident?

It can be difficult to simplify the impact of truck accidents and their relationship to serious personal injuries. Due to their size and weight, trucks can cause serious accidents that can result in significant damage. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety has estimated that one in eight traffic fatalities involve a collision with a large truck.

If you are injured by a truck, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your damages. Often in such a case, liability can fall with one of four different parties.

The driver

If the truck driver’s negligence causes the accident, perhaps they violated a traffic law, you can hold them responsible for your damages. An investigation will occur, and an experienced truck accident attorney will be able to determine if driver actions caused these issues.

The trucking company

The trucking company may be liable for an accident if its negligence or expectations were contributing factors. For instance, if a company employs an incompetent driver or one who drinks while in the line of duty, it may be liable for an accident caused by such a driver.

Expectations, such as making many trips or orders, encouraging drivers to engage in aggressive behaviors, may also put liability on the company. Other factors are a work schedule that leads to exhaustion and a payment structure that encourages drivers to break the law. It is possible that both the company and the driver would hold some liability.

The company owner

If the trucking company owns the trucks, it is responsible for maintaining them. Thus, if a defective/damaged part causes your accident, it may be answerable. However, if the company leases the trucks, the owners may be responsible for the accident.

The loading company

Most trucking companies work with loaders to load and unload cargo because they are skilled and have the needed resources. If a loading error, such as failing to secure cargo properly or not organizing it properly, causes the accident you are involved in, this party may be liable.

In rare cases, the truck OEM may be liable for faulty manufacturing.

Regardless of the facts in your case, an accident that involves a truck which causes an injury needs an experienced truck accident attorney to represent injured parties. Establishing liability in a truck accident is vital. Contact the team of truck accident lawyers at Bashore Green to help today by calling 248-838-0635 .