By Juan Lucia
A truck accident is different from a car accident in that there may be more defendants. This can be a problem in a personal injury case but it can also allow victims to seek compensation through a variety of avenues.
Statistics show that truck drivers are at least partially responsible for accidents. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) states that accidents can be caused by driver negligence, such as:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Accelerating
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
The driver may not be responsible for truck accidents, but other parties could be partially or fully liable for injuries and damages to victims. Trucking accidents may also involve other negligent parties, including but not limited to:
The Trucking Company
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the trucking company that employs the truck driver may be held responsible for an accident in a variety of ways. These are some of the possible ways that a trucking company could be held responsible for a trucking accident:
- Negligent hiring
- Failure to properly service and maintain trucks
- Drivers are being pressured to follow unrealistic schedules
- Drivers not getting enough rest
- Logbooks and hours-of-service documentation falsified
The Truck Manufacturer
Truck accidents can sometimes be caused by a defect in a truck component or parts, such as faulty brakes or steering systems. Truck manufacturers or parts manufacturers could be held responsible for damages if a truck part or defect caused your truck accident.
Contractors From Third Parties
Trucking companies often outsource certain parts of their operation, such as driver training, cargo loading, truck service, or repair. Truck accidents can be caused by the negligence of third-party vendors, such as the company that maintains trucks.
Truck accidents are more complicated than car accidents and can be difficult to comprehend legally. An experienced and determined truck crash attorney can assist victims in identifying all at-fault parties. They can also pursue fair and full compensation for their financial and physical injuries.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is an St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney She focuses on personal injury, car accidents, and bicyclist injury. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your individual situation.
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