Truck accidents are often more serious and damaging than passenger vehicle accidents.
Truck accidents are often more serious and damaging than passenger vehicle accidents. Because of a commercial truck’s size, weight, and cargo, these types of accidents can result in serious injuries or death. Since multiple parties are involved in the maintenance and operation of a commercial truck, these kinds of accident cases can be complicated, and determining liability for an accident caused by negligence can be difficult. For this reason, it is essential to contact an attorney that has experience in truck accident cases. Your attorney will help you determine exactly who is liable for the accident.
Determining Who is Liable
It is difficult to determine liability in truck accident cases since there are multiple parties involved. Unlike passenger vehicles, semi-trucks are often not owned by the driver but by their company. There are usually several parties responsible for truck safety, maintenance, and operation, making these types of cases more complicated. Depending on the cases, entities liable for your accident may include:
- The Truck Driver
- The Trucking Company
- Loading/Shipping Companies
- Truck Parts Manufacturers
In many truck accidents, the party (or parties) responsible may have not even been present at the accident, making litigation more complicated.
When the Truck Driver is Liable
The truck driver is often the liable individual in a truck accident. The accident is usually a result of driver error or negligence. Though truck drivers go through extensive training and must carry a special license, this does not mean they are incapable of making mistakes or negligence. In fact, truck driver error is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Some common instances of driver error include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs
- Reckless driving
When the Trucking Company is Liable
As employers, the trucking company is usually responsible for the actions of their drivers. If a truck driver causes an accident due to their negligence, the trucking company may be held responsible for the damages. Truck companies are required to hire qualified and competent truck drivers. This can include things like conducting background checks, offering truck driver training, and regularly scheduling random drug and alcohol screenings for drivers. If a company does not train its truck drivers properly and is then involved in an accident, the trucking company could be liable for a lawsuit.
Trucking companies may also be held liable for accidents that are caused by poor truck maintenance. Trucking companies must perform regular maintenance inspections on commercial trucks to ensure that they are safe to drive. An experienced attorney can review truck maintenance logs to determine if the accident may have resulted from mechanical failure.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.