Who is Responsible for a Trucking Accident?
If you were injured a truck crash, where would you begin? Your injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence, but who’s responsible? Many people may assume the truck driver and/or trucking company would be liable. However, that is only the beginning of the list of potentially responsible parties for a truck accident.
Who Plays a Part in a Truck Crash?
The responsible parties may depend on a variety of factors depending on the circumstances of the accident. Often an investigation is necessary to help determine who is at fault for the crash and resulting injuries. Some responsible parties may include:
- The driver
- The trucking company
- The company that owns the truck/trailer (trucks are often leased)
- The company that performs maintenance on the truck/trailer
- The company that loaded the trailer
- The companies the manufactured the tractor and trailer
- The companies that manufactured the parts used to build the tractor/trailer
- The governmental entities that designed built and maintain the highway, which could include federal, state, county and city units
- Any other driver who may have contributed to the crash
Once you sort out the parties, you have to investigate all of the elements of the accident and work to determine who has the greatest fault.
The truck driver may have been driving too fast, the brakes may have been poorly maintained, the road may have received inadequate maintenance and it could have been slick with rain, or the load may have been improperly loaded; all of which may have contributed to the accident and will play a role in determining who may be held responsible in the event of a trucking collision.
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another, contact the personal injury law office of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. to speak with an experienced attorney. Call 361-882-4357 to schedule your free consultation today!
