THIRD PARTY LIABILITY IN TRUCKING ACCIDENTS
Who Can Be Held Liable In A Trucking Accident
While, in most cases, a truck driver will assume responsibility for damages if they are found at fault for a crash, multiple parties can actually be held liable depending on the circumstances. This third-party liability can have a significant impact on your claim, so it's important to understand the contributing factors that lead to your injury. Here are a few of the parties you may consider holding liable.
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Trucking Company
Because trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and following safety guidelines, they can be held liable for crashes their employees cause. If they hire unqualified drivers or fail to inspect or maintain the trucks regularly, their practices may point to negligence and warrant further investigation.
Manufacturer and Mechanic
Any vehicle manufacturer may be held responsible for a crash if malfunctioning parts were a contributing factor. Issues like transmission failures, fire hazards, stalling, or anything else that may cause significant handling issues can often be attributed to the manufacturer.
Likewise, if the truck was recently brought in for repairs and ultimately had a mechanical failure that caused the collision, the person or company contracted for repairs may assume some liability.
Cargo Loader
Ensuring that cargo is correctly and securely loaded onto the truck is essential for safe travel. Not doing so can cause items to shift or fall during transit and increase the risk of a crash. On the other hand, an overloaded truck may take longer to stop or be more likely to roll over from being too top-heavy.
Both drivers and cargo loaders are responsible for ensuring that cargo is appropriately secured, and weigh stations often address whether or not a truck is overloaded. When cargo mishaps contribute to an accident, multiple parties may be found liable.
Our Queens Truck Accident Attorneys Can Hold Them Accountable
You deserve to seek justice for the injuries caused in truck collisions, and our Davidoff Law attorneys are dedicated to holding all responsible parties accountable for their role. If you’ve been involved in a crash with a large truck, we can help.