Who May Be Held Liable For A Truck Accident?

Truck accidents, unlike most vehicular accidents, tend to result in more significant injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. This is due to the combination of the size and weight difference between trucks and automobiles, as well as truck drivers’ elevated duty of care compared to other motorists. As a result, injured parties may be able to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for an accident involving a commercial vehicle.

It is important to remember that in a truck accident, the driver is only one of many parties who may be held liable for damages. In this article, Dobbs Law Firm will explore some of these liability issues to help you better understand your legal rights if you are injured in an accident involving a semi-truck or any other large commercial vehicle. 

Parties That Can Be Held Liable In A Truck Accident

There are a number of parties that can be held liable for injuries or damages resulting from an accident involving a commercial vehicle. The potential defendants include:

Truck Driver

While all motorists must drive carefully and obey traffic laws, truck drivers have a heightened duty of care because of the size and weight of the truck and the volume of cargo it carries. This means that truckers are expected to drive with greater care than other motorists, and they can be held liable for any injuries sustained by another party if it is determined that they are not exercising reasonable care. Negligence, driving under the influence, or speeding are just a few examples of careless driving that may result in criminal charges and civil liability.

Driver’s Employer

Similarly, the commercial vehicle’s employer may be held liable for damages sustained by an injured party if it is determined that company policy was at fault. For instance, training standards for driving large vehicles might be inadequate, or safety precautions may not have been followed. Employers have a duty to provide a safe environment for employees and others on the job, which means that it is their responsibility to maintain reasonable safety standards. 

Truck Manufacturer

Truck manufacturers may also be held responsible for damages resulting from an accident involving their products, especially if it is determined that the vehicle had safety defects and design flaws. It is important to remember that this type of liability is usually reserved for cases where the injury was the result of an unreasonably dangerous defect in the truck itself, not simply because a certain component failed to work properly.

Cargo Owner

In some cases, a truck driver may have been transporting cargo that was owned by a third party. If the load shifted, became unsecured, or otherwise caused an accident, then it is possible that the cargo owner may be held liable for damages sustained by any injured parties. That’s why it is very important for cargo owners to keep their loads locked, secured, and properly stowed at all times.

Government Agencies and Contractors

In some cases, a truck accident may be the result of negligence on the part of a government agency or contractor that was hired to perform a task related to road maintenance, traffic control, public transportation, etc. If you were injured as a result of negligence by a government agency or a third-party contractor responsible for maintaining and operating roads and other public infrastructure, you may have a claim for damages.

Proving Liability In Trucking Accidents

In order to hold a defendant liable for damages involving a truck accident, the injured party must be able to prove that the defendant’s negligence caused or contributed to the cause of the injury. This is referred to as the “burden of proof.” If you cannot establish that it was the defendant’s negligence that caused or contributed to your injuries, then that party will not be held liable for damages.

Only an experienced truck accident attorney with access to the necessary resources can help you build a strong liability case. Hiring the right lawyer can make a significant difference in your chances of getting fair compensation for your injuries, so it is crucial to choose the right attorney for your case.

Seek Immediate Legal Counsel From An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Odessa, TX, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The earlier your lawyer begins working on your case, the better chance you have of being compensated for your losses. While no amount of money can undo what has happened to you or your loved one, an experienced truck accident attorney like Dobbs Law Firm can help you seek a favorable settlement, so you can finally start moving forward in life.

Contact Dobbs Law Firm today at (432) 580-0808 or use their online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.

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