Several elements might lead to a truck crash, making commercial truck accidents more complex than vehicle accidents. The responsible party in a car accident is often the driver of the car or the driver of the opposite vehicle that triggered the collision. Determining liability in a truck collision might be more challenging.
Other people besides the truck driver that may be held accountable in a truck accident include:
- The truck company
- The owner of the truck
- The truck part’s manufacturer
- The state or municipal government is responsible for road and highway maintenance.
- The freight loaders
After an accident involving a truck, the trucking company that hires the driver would typically want to limit its liability. Through their attorneys and insurance, they will attempt to demonstrate that the truck collision was caused by driver error. It is crucial to contact a truck accident attorney immediately to safeguard your legal rights and determine the exact cause of the accident.
Is the Truck Driver Responsible for the Accident?
Even though several elements may lead to a truck accident, the truck driver's fault may be blamed. Trucks are often 20 to 30 times the size of a passenger car, and truck drivers must drive cautiously out of consideration for others on the road. All truck drivers must possess a CDL (commercial driver's license) and undergo extensive training, yet human error is still possible. The following can contribute to a truck driver's responsibility in an accident:
- Driving under the influence
- Intentionally exceeding the required driving time limit or the "14-hour rule." The hours of service limitations are available on the FMCSA website. If a trucker transfers goods over state boundaries, certain limitations are required by law.
- Aggressive driving or speeding
- Distracted driving, such as texting or eating while driving, is prohibited.
- Driving recklessly in bad weather
Can Multiple Parties Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident in Washington, D.C.?
As noted above, there are several grounds for holding a truck driver accountable for an accident. However, it is possible that numerous parties, not only driver error, contributed to the truck crash.
Truckers are required to adhere to the rigorous drop-off and pick-up schedules in addition to long hours spent on the road. A trucking business might incentivize its drivers to meet targets, putting them under pressure to exceed their hourly limit. This might result in the truck driver driving while fatigued, which can lead to a severe accident. In a situation such as this, both the trucking business and the truck driver may be held accountable if a truck accident occurs.
After a truck accident, the personal injury attorneys at Regan Zambri Long will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the accident's exact cause. If the lawyers at Regan Zambri Long determine that many parties might be held accountable for a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation owing to multiple claims.
