Accidents involving 18-wheelers or other large commercial trucks can cause a variety of issues as to who is liable for property damage and personal injuries. That’s because trucking accidents can involve multiple individuals (not just the truck driver) and multiple companies. That’s why it is important to hire a lawyer who is experienced in trucking cases if you’re injured in this type of accident through no fault of your own.
Exactly Who is Responsible?
Liability for a trucking accident may be attributed to a number of responsible parties. These can range from the manufacturer of the truck to the company that loaded the cargo, the company that owns the truck, the agency who hired the driver or the actual truck driver.
For example, the company that built the truck may have created a defect that caused the accident. The company that loaded the cargo may have done so improperly, causing the cargo to fall off the truck and cause the accident. The company that owns the truck may have failed to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly, leading to the accident. The company that hired the truck driver may have created unsafe conditions or pushed the driver too hard to meet a deadline by driving too many hours straight. Or the driver may have broken traffic laws, resulting in an accident.
These are just a few of numerous complicated issues that must be investigated when determining liability for a trucking accident. That’s why it’s vital that you hire an attorney who is experienced in these specific types of cases in order to protect your rights.
