Who Can Be Liable for a Truck collision?

Nowadays, the rate of car accidents has increased a lot due to various reasons. But when it comes to truck accidents particularly, the case may be complex because there is more than one party involved or liable for this mishap. Only professional persons like cops and lawyers can determine the actual responsible person by doing a thorough investigation. If you or your loved ones get injured because of a truck accident, then hire an accident lawyer quickly to get the claim that you deserve and catch the culprit.

Who Can Be Responsible?

Most people blame the driver right after they hear about a truck crash. But this is not the whole picture all the time. There is more than one person who can be responsible for this accident. Many times the trucking companies are liable as they appointed these people at driving positions and put a huge work pressure on them. As a result, the drivers are compelled to break the safety rules. The parties who can be liable for this truck collision are,

●       Truck and component manufacturers

●       The trucking company

●       The company which leases the trucks to the trucking carrier

●       The companies are responsible for repairing and maintaining the vehicle.

The Liability Issues

First of all, you must know that there are three types of the truck driver such as company driver, owner-operator and independent owner. Which party to be accused as liable depends upon in which category they belong?

Driver’s Employment

If you hire an accident attorney to fight for your case, then the first thing he or she does is to discover who hired the driver in the first position. In this case, the driver might be an employee of a trucking company or an independent company employing him. Keep in mind that even if the driver here is faulty, the hiring company has to bear some fault.

Car Maintenance

It’s an individual responsibility of the driver to take the car for a routine inspection. A car can malfunction due to various reasons. But if you have done routine maintenance and checkup and yet the vehicle does not operate appropriately, then there must be any void in the inspection process. If the accident happens on account of maintenance problems, then instead of the driver, the trucking company who has leased the vehicle.

Product Liability

If the victim party is injured because of defective vehicles, then the case may fall into product liability. It is also known as strict liability. The following common product liability claims are defective trailer hitch, brake failure, tires, locks, steering issues and load straps.

Seek Legal Advice

Proving to the court that who is responsible for the crash is really a tough job but you have to do it at any cost. Only this can help you to get the claim that's rightfully yours. Consult with the experts of The West Law Firm in OKC to schedule a free consultation.

** Disclaimer: The above article does not imply a relationship between attorney and client, nor is it legal advice.