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Who Can Be Held Liable In A Commercial Truck Crash?

While every traffic accident is a serious accident, commercial truck accidents are among the deadliest on our roadways. The injuries sustained in these terrifying accidents can be life-altering, which makes bringing a strong claim key. If you’ve been injured by negligence on the part of a truck driver, a trucking company, or both, it’s time to consult with an experienced Greenwood truck accident attorney at Nicholson, Meredith & Anderson.

Truck Drivers Are Often Responsible for Dangerous Truck Accidents

Truckers are commercial drivers, and this means they face stricter rules and regulations behind the wheel, including hours of service limitations. In addition, the rigs they operate can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds, which makes any form of truck driver negligence potentially deadly.

While every truck accident claim is specific to the unique circumstances involved, primary forms of truck driver negligence break down into basic categories.

Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions

The 18-wheelers that truck drivers operate are so much larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road that they require much longer stopping distances to begin with. When truckers speed, they increase this distance considerably. Further, speed must be considered not only in relation to the posted speed limit but also in relation to the condition of the road and the effects of bad weather. The more excessive a truck driver’s speed, the more likely they are to cause an accident, and the more likely it is to be deadly.

Impaired Driving

Neither the federal nor the state government has any tolerance for impairment behind the wheel of a semi-truck. Impaired truckers are exceptionally dangerous and are subject to serious consequences that can include losing their commercial licensure as a result.  

Distracted Driving

There are many forms of driver distraction, but texting and using a handheld device is considered the most alarming. To navigate our roadways safely, truckers must focus on their primary responsibility of driving and complying with all traffic rules and regulations. Truck drivers have massive blind spots on all four sides of their tractor-trailers, which makes paying careful attention when changing lanes or leaving the roadway especially important.

The Trucking Company

The trucking company also bears considerable responsibility for truck accidents. To begin, they are held legally liable for accidents caused by their employees in the course of doing their jobs. Companies can also be liable for the conduct of independent drivers they hire to drive their fleets. This means you will file your claim with the trucking company’s insurance provider.

In addition, however, trucking companies are responsible for the following and much more:

● Hiring safe, licensed truckers

● Maintaining a safe fleet of rigs

● Implementing regularly scheduled maintenance requirements and safety checks

● Employing skilled mechanics and providing them with high-quality tools and truck parts

An Experienced Greenwood Truck Accident Lawyer Is on Your Side

The Greenwood truck accident attorneys at Nicholson, Meredith & Anderson dedicate our practice to fiercely advocating for the rights and the rightful compensation of valued clients like you. Learn more about what we can do to help you by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 864-229-7241 today.