Semi-Truck Accidents

Who is Responsible When There is a Semi-Truck Accident?

When you are involved in a semi-truck accident, there can be several companies and/or individuals at fault. The companies or individuals responsible for a semi-truck accident will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. The most common parties that may be held liable and responsible include:

1. Motor carrier = The trucking company: Trucking companies are responsible by law for hiring and training qualified drivers, maintaining their trucks in a safe working condition, and ensuring that their drivers comply with all applicable laws and regulations. If a trucking company fails to perform these duties and causes an accident, the trucking company can be held liable and responsible for the accident, paying for any losses and injuries.
2. Shipper = The owner of the cargo or goods: The owner of the cargo or goods being shipped is responsible for ensuring that the cargo or goods are properly loaded and secured. If the cargo or goods are not properly loaded and secured, things may shift during transport on the road, causing an accident. Further, the shipper is required to hire qualified and safe trucking companies and drivers. Failure to secure the load or goods or hire safe drivers to transport the load or goods can lead to the shipper being the responsible party that needs to pay for any injuries caused.
3. Freight broker = The middleman: A broker brings together a shipper who has goods to transport and a motor carrier who has the truck and trailer to transport the load. Brokers often do not own any trucks or trailers. Freight brokers must carefully select and hire the trucking companies they will rely on to transport their goods. In addition, the freight broker has a duty to supervise the trucking companies it works with to make sure that they are operating safely and responsibly. If a trucking company is known to be unsafe, the freight broker may be liable for any accidents caused by that trucking company.
4. Truck driver: Truck drivers have a duty by law to operate their trucks safely and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. If a truck driver fails in his or her duty and causes an accident, they may be held liable for damages and any injuries caused by their carelessness.
5. The manufacturer of the truck or trailer or its parts: If a defect in the semi-truck or trailer, including any of its parts, causes an accident, the manufacturer of the semi-truck or trailer or its parts may be held liable for damages. For example, defective brakes or tires can malfunction and cause the driver to lose control.
6. The truck maintenance company: Some truck companies have in-house mechanics, while others will hire an outside maintenance company. If a maintenance company fails to properly repair and maintain the truck and this failure causes an accident, the maintenance company may be in trouble and will have to pay for its mistakes. 

As indicated, multiple parties may be held liable for a semi-truck accident. For example, if a truck driver is speeding and under the influence of drugs and the trucking company is aware the driver is dealing with a substance abuse problem but allows them to drive anyway, both the truck driver and the trucking company may be held liable for damages and have to pay for any damage caused. 

When an accident occurs, it’s important to determine who caused the crash. The attorneys at our firm have the experience and resources needed to investigate and handle any type of truck accident. We will meticulously investigate your accident, secure critical evidence, and construct a robust case to challenge the trucking company and secure the compensation you deserve to safeguard your future.

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe after a semi-truck accident.

BE PROTECTED!

CALL US NOW – TRUCK ACCIDENT & TRIAL ATTORNEYS 740-454-2545.