Who Can Be Liable For A Truck Accident?
Truck accidents in Georgia result in some of the most devastating injuries on the road. When the rate of truck accident fatalities is at a 30 year high, it is important to know who is actually liable for the consequences of a truck accident.
When someone else’s reckless or negligence caused your truck accident, you may be surprised to learn that the truck driver is not the liable party. More often than not, the liable party of a truck accident is one of these three parties:
The driver
Truck driver error is the most common source of liability in a truck accident, there are many reasons that can make the driver liable. A truck driver could cause an accident if they were speeding, not obeying other traffic laws, or distracting themselves with their phone or food. Truck driver fatigue is also a major contributor, due to the long hours that these jobs often require. A truck driver can also be liable if they do not properly maintain their vehicle or if they have unsecured truck cargo.
The manufacturer
Sometimes, a truck accident can happen as a result of a defective product. Brake lines, brake pads, defective tires, and engine components are only a few of the individual parts of a truck that can fail and cause catastrophic accidents. The manufacturer of the defective part may be liable for the consequences of their poor products.
The employer
As a business hiring truck drivers, the trucking company is responsible for ensuring that they hire safe drivers and that they are qualified to drive commercial vehicles. If a company hired someone who had a history of reckless driving or someone who did not have a commercial driver’s license, they might be responsible for any accidents that the driver causes while working. Trucking company negligence is a serious threat to the safety of other drivers.
Get the most out of your compensation claim
If you suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, do not assume who is liable and file an injury claim against them. Instead, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Their guidance can help you review the facts of your unique claim and maximize the compensation you receive.
There are many people who may be liable for your accident, even those who were never at the scene of the crash. Take some time to review the information and ensure you are pursuing the compensation you need from the correct party.
