A major challenge for truck accident victims can be determining whether the truck driver or trucking company is responsible for a truck accident. In many cases, the truck driver could be responsible for causing an accident. A truck driver could be liable if they:
- Drive while intoxicated
- Speed
- Fall asleep at the wheel
- Drive distractedly
- Drive recklessly
There can also be other driver-related causes of truck accidents. According to figures from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers often cause accidents. However, they are not the only party that could be responsible for an accident. There can be other critical causes responsible for truck crashes, as noted by the FMCSA.
Potential Negligent Parties in Truck Accidents
Establishing liability in a truck accident can be tricky and lengthy. Potentially, there could be many parties responsible besides the truck driver or trucking company in a truck accident. However, it is pivotal that a lawsuit for compensation identifies all liable parties. Responsible parties other than the truck driver can include:
The Trucking Company
A trucking company is typically responsible for the operational aspects of the business, including hiring and instructing drivers. A company can be negligent in several ways, such as not training drivers adequately, hiring drivers without the necessary qualifications, or rushing drivers.
A Third Party
Trucking companies may use various vendors for certain aspects of the business. For example, they could use vendors to maintain trucks or load cargo. A third party could be responsible for an accident if they made mistakes with loading cargo or failed to replace worn truck parts, for example.
The Truck Manufacturer
In some cases, a truck manufacturer may be wholly or partially responsible for an accident. This can occur if the truck has a manufacturing or design defect, for example, a faulty brake system. If this defect contributed to the accident, a truck manufacturer could be responsible.
Establishing negligence can be challenging, especially for a layperson who does not know the laws and regulations governing trucking operations. It is not unusual to have several defendants in a case, such as the truck driver and trucking company.
Truck accident claims can be daunting, as accident victims might be up against several companies and their legal counsel. However, Jacksonville truck accident lawyers can tackle these claims and help them pursue justice and compensation.
You Could Have Legal Options
If you or a loved one suffered a crash with a large truck, you could sue the responsible parties for compensation. A successful lawsuit can help you recover damages for your medical expenses, awards for pain and suffering, and other types of compensation, depending on your case.
A truck accident lawyer can help determine whether the truck driver or trucking company is responsible for a truck accident or if other parties could be held accountable.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free case evaluation at 1-800-747-3733.
