Trucking accidents occur due to different factors, including negligence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,965 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks in 2020, and 71% were occupants of other vehicles.
If you are involved in such an accident, you may deserve compensation. However, pursuing compensation can be complicated because several parties may be responsible for your accident. These are a few of the parties that may potentially be held accountable for your harm.
Driver(s)
If the accident occurred to a driver’s negligence, they may be liable. For example, if they were speeding, overtaking/changing lanes unsafely, running the red light, not yielding or drunk.
A trucking company
In some instances, a trucking company may be held liable. For example, if the accident occurred due to a poor work schedule that caused a driver to be exhausted, that could serve as a factor in determining liability.
Note that some companies don’t own the trucks that their drivers operate. They lease them from owners. Depending on the agreement these parties have concerning vehicle maintenance, a truck owner may also be liable for an accident.
Manufacturers
If the accident occurred due to a defective part, a vehicle’s manufacturer or designer may be responsible for your injuries.
Cargo loaders
Different factors need to be considered when loading cargo in a truck. Overloading a truck can make it hard for a driver to control it, and that can lead to accidents. Not securing cargo or organizing it properly are also hazards.
Seeking legal guidance promptly in the wake of a truck accident can help to ensure that all parties responsible for your harm are held liable for your losses.