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Truck accidents can be more complicated than traditional car accidents because most large trucks are commercial vehicles, which means a company is involved in the truck’s operation and maintenance. As such, there are multiple parties that may be held liable in an accident involving a truck from their fleet.
Below, our Los Angeles trial attorneys discuss the various parties that may be held responsible for a truck accident.
The Truck Driver
A truck driver must use reasonable care in driving their truck. If a truck driver fails to use reasonable care in driving their truck, they are liable for negligence.
Some examples of ways that a truck driver may be held liable for a truck accident include if they:
- Drove while intoxicated or distracted
- Violated traffic laws
- Violated federal hours-of-service regulations
- Simply made an error while driving
In these situations, the truck driver’s actions directly caused an accident. As such, the truck driver would most likely be held liable for resulting damages.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company can also be held liable for an accident involving a truck from its fleet. Typically, these situations involve the trucking company’s negligence that led to unsafe drivers on the road, such as:
- Hiring a driver who should not have been on the road, such as a driver with previous DUIs or other infractions
- Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations, leading to drowsy truckers on the road
- Failing to schedule regular maintenance for its trucks
- Employing the offending driver
The Cargo Loaders
Large trucks must be loaded properly in order to prevent cargo shift and a subsequent accident. If the truck’s cargo loaders failed to secure the cargo safely, securely, and evenly, then they can be held liable for any accident that resulted from their negligence.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Us Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, our Los Angeles trial attorneys will work to identify any and all liable parties while you focus on recovering from your injuries. We have helped countless clients recover the compensation they need to heal from their injuries, and we’re here to help you, too.
Contact Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP at (866) 634-4525 to schedule a free consultation.