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Who can be held liable in a commercial truck accident?

On Behalf of | Jul 26, 2021 | Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be a life-altering event for a Virginia victim. Due to the size difference between an 18-wheeler and nearly every other vehicle on the road, even a minor fender-bender can have serious consequences. Getting to the bottom of why the accident occurred can be complicated but it is important in order to determine liability.

There are several possible parties who may be held liable in a truck accident. These include:

  1. Truck drivers. Truck drivers have several rules and regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) they must follow. These include only driving a certain number of hours per day. But with truck drivers under increasing pressure to deliver their loads in a short amount of time, it leaves room for drivers to take unnecessary risks including fatigued driving, speeding, or distracted driving. Substance abuse among truck drivers is also a serious problem.
  2. Trucking companies. A trucking company may also be held liable for a truck accident. This could happen if a trucking company fails to properly train their drivers, hires unqualified drivers, or hires a truck driver with a poor driving record, alcohol violations, or other serious infractions.
  3. Truck manufacturers. Sometimes a truck accident is caused by defective parts or mechanical failures. This can come from a faulty braking system, blown tires, improper trailer attachment, transmission failure, etc.
  4. Loading companies. A truck accident can occur if the truck’s load shifts. The party who is responsible for loading cargo into the truck is responsible for making sure the cargo is properly secured to prevent its contents from spilling out. If the truck’s cargo falls or the truck tips over due to improper cargo loading, the loading company may be held responsible.

Truck accidents are often very serious. If a person is injured to a truck accident, they may want to speak with a legal professional who is skilled in personal injury. An attorney understands the need to get to the bottom of the accident and who is at fault. They will fight for their client’s rights and help recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, future medical expenses, and other damages.