Media post: Company and Driver Liability in Commercial Truck Collisions

When semi-trucks crash, it can lead to more serious injuries than an average fender-bender. The parties involved don’t just include the driver but also the businesses that employ them. This adds some additional steps to a truck accident case.

The issue is not whether the driver is at fault, but rather how to handle contracts, company policy, and proprietorship. In this article, we will explain how fault is established in these cases and why you should work with a truck accident lawyer if you have been involved in an accident.

The Trucking Company’s Responsibility

The trucking company will likely be held liable in the event of an accident under the doctrine of vicarious liability. Well, vicarious liability is simply this: if a company’s employees are negligent while on the job, the company is liable.

It is not only what the driver did. People begin to investigate whether the company itself was negligent. That is, did they hire someone who couldn’t really drive a truck? Did they address any parts that needed maintenance? They will also investigate whether the company allowed drivers to operate long-haul routes while half-asleep in their seats. 

Trucking companies must be vigilant and protect people by conducting thorough background checks and taking other necessary measures. If they fail to do so, lawsuits could potentially arise.

Driver Liabilities

Suppose a driver has been dispatched from Dallas to Houston, and they have chosen to stop for a detour in Austin to attend to some “personal business.” If they get into a truck accident along this detour, they will be at fault.

The driver will also be responsible for offenses such as irresponsible driving or driving under the influence. They do have some level of protection if they are responsible and abide by the rules. If they are irresponsible, they have nobody to blame but themselves.

Liability Beyond Driver and Company

Truck crashes are not necessarily the fault of the driver or their company. Sometimes the fault is several steps removed from them. For example, if the road is poorly maintained, has potholes, or has illegible signs, then the city or local authority responsible for maintaining roads can be held liable.

Manufacturers can also be involved in it. If tires or brakes had snapped when they should not have, the accident would be the fault of those who manufactured or sold them. If you take your car in for repairs and they don’t fix it properly, the company is liable.

In essence, whoever was at fault in ensuring everything was in good condition, including the road, truck, or merchandise, can be held liable when a lawsuit is initiated. It is never just a case of the driver being at fault.

Why You Should Have a Lawyer

Identifying fault in a truck accident is akin to solving a puzzle when a crucial piece is missing. A lawyer works through the facts, obtains records, interviews witnesses, and establishes a timeline of events to find out what happened. Driver fault? Maintenance issue? Manufacturing defect? A good lawyer works it all out.

When selecting an attorney to represent you, look for someone with experience handling truck accidents. The law presents distinct challenges with which one must be familiar, including legislation and multi-party liability. Referrals or reviews can help you identify a lawyer you trust who is familiar with local law. 

Conclusion

Truck accident cases often involve complex layers of liability that extend beyond just the driver. Companies may be held responsible under the principle of vicarious liability if their employees are negligent, but the investigation can also reveal issues like poor maintenance or inadequate hiring practices. In some cases, liability may fall on third parties such as road authorities or manufacturers, especially if defective parts or poorly maintained roads contributed to the crash. Given these complexities, working with an experienced truck accident lawyer is crucial to navigating the legal landscape, identifying all liable parties, and ensuring fair compensation.