Most semi-trucks you see on the road are commercial motor vehicles, which means they are owned and operated by a business to ship goods and services. This also means that determining liability in a commercial truck accident is complicated, as there are multiple parties involved in the truck’s maintenance, loading, and operation. Get the facts on how to determine third-party liability in a truck accident.

Trucking Company

While many people may assume that a truck driver is to blame in the event of an accident, this is not always the case. The trucking company is often the party to hold liable for an accident involving a vehicle from their fleet. When trucking companies hire unqualified drivers who should not be on the road, fail to properly train their drivers, do not schedule regular maintenance checks on their vehicles, or encourage their drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations and more, they may be held liable for accidents resulting from these pre-accident decisions.

Cargo Loaders

Truck cargo must be loaded and distributed evenly to ensure the truck remains stable at high speeds on the freeway. When this does not happen, cargo may shift and topple over in the truck’s cargo bay, which may make the truck unstable and cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. If the negligent loading of a truck’s cargo ultimately led to an accident, the truck’s cargo loaders may be held liable for the accident.

Truck’s Manufacturer

When trucks are distributed to trucking companies with an inherent product or design defect, and this defect later causes an accident, the truck’s manufacturer may be held responsible for damages. Examples of truck product or design defects include defective tires, brake failure, electrical issues, and more.

Harmed in a Truck Accident? Contact Us Today

If you have been injured in a truck accident that was not your fault, our truck accident attorneys can help you obtain justice. Our truck accident attorneys have decades of combined experience and we’re prepared to fight trucking companies and insurance agencies while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

Contact Wagner Reese at (888) 204-8440 to learn how we can assist you.