Who is Liable After a Truck Accident? The Driver or the Truck Company?

JEFFERSON, Texas. One of the things that makes truck accident law more complicated than a personal injury car accident claim is the fact that a truck accident claim may involve more stakeholders. What does this mean? In general, there might be more than one person who could be held liable for the claim. For example, the truck driver might be the first person that victims and families might blame after a crash, but the negligence for the accident might ultimately lie with the trucking company or with maintenance personnel the trucking company hired.

In some cases, a company can be held responsible for a truck accident if it acted in a way that encouraged its employees to commit wrongdoing. For example, if a truck company encouraged its drivers to break hours of service laws or if it gave its drivers such unreasonable schedules that the only way that drivers could meet the demanding schedule would be to break the law, then the truck company could potentially be held liable for the accident.

If a truck company hired another company to maintain the vehicle and the company cut corners, then the company that performed the repairs could be also held liable. For example, if the brakes were repaired and then failed, the truck company may be able to seek damages from the repair company and you may be able to do so, too.

Truck companies are also required to hold high insurance policies. When accidents happen, victims may be able to make a claim and seek damages.

However, untangling the complexities of a truck accident claim can be challenging. Determining who should pay up can be difficult without the help of a qualified truck accident lawyer like the Cooper Law Firm in Jefferson, Texas. The Cooper Law Firm can review your claim, review what happened, and determine who may be at fault.

Sometimes, in these types of claims, one party may pass the blame onto the other and it can be difficult to determine who is negligent. After a truck caused a downed powerline that caused damages to homes, homeowners sought damages from the truck company, according to the Boston Globe. However, the truck company turned around and said that the power company was responsible for hanging the power lines too low.

In other cases, the truck company may have practiced negligent hiring. The Globe and Mail reported that a truck company that hired a young and inexperienced driver who was involved in a deadly accident was later suspended.

So, what’s the takeaway? First, understand that it’s not always the driver’s fault. Secondly, take the time to speak to a qualified truck accident lawyer in Jefferson, Texas like the Cooper Law Firm. Our firm can review the details of the accident and identify any and all stakeholders. Navigating the legal claims process after a complex or serious accident can be stressful. However, in the aftermath of a crash, your focus should be on healing, not on the complex legal aspects of your claim. Let your qualified truck accident lawyer assist you.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037