If you have been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, there could be multiple parties who are ultimately held accountable. You may be able to pursue legal action against the driver who caused the crash, but there are often multiple potential defendants to be aware of.
One of the ways our attorneys can help after a truck accident is by identifying all the parties who may be potentially at fault. At Lopez Franco, PLLC, we can advise you on how to maximize your recovery following an 18-wheeler accident. Some of the parties who can be held responsible in a crash include the following:
Truck Drivers
In many 18-wheeler accidents, the truck driver is the first party examined for liability. Driver error is a leading cause of these crashes and can include speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment due to drugs or alcohol. Federal regulations limit the amount of time truck drivers can operate without rest, but violations of these hours-of-service rules are still common and can play a significant role in determining fault.
A thorough investigation will often involve reviewing the driver’s logbooks, GPS data, dashcam footage, and toxicology reports. If the driver was found to be negligent or in violation of safety regulations at the time of the accident, they may be held personally responsible for resulting injuries and damages. However, liability often extends beyond the driver alone.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies may be at fault for an accident for different reasons. In some situations, they may be on the hook for damages caused by a negligent employee. You could pursue a lawsuit not only against the negligent truck driver as well as the company they work for.
A company might be at fault based on its own negligence as well. This could come in the form of negligent hiring practices like allowing an employee to drive despite having a suspended license.
Manufacturers of Defective Parts
If a mechanical defect contributes to an 18-wheeler accident, the manufacturer of that part may be held liable under the law. Common examples include faulty brake systems, steering components, or tire blowouts. These claims often involve complex investigations and can include multiple parties in the supply chain. Manufacturers are held to a different standard compared to negligence claims, which means you could be entitled to an award without having to establish that the company acted negligently.
Cargo Loaders and Shippers
Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, making an 18-wheeler unstable and prone to rollovers or jackknife accidents. If a third-party logistics company, warehouse crew, or shipping contractor failed to follow proper loading procedures or weight distribution guidelines, they could be held liable.
Talk to Lopez Franco, PLLC, After a Truck Accident
If you have been injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler, let the team at Lopez Franco, PLLC help you seek justice. Contact us right away for a free consultation.