Who is Responsible for My Medical Bills after a Truck Accident

Responsible Parties in a Truck Accident 

Any car crash that involves a commercial truck can be a bit more complicated compared to a typical car accident. Car accidents can typically be narrowed down to some combination of driver error, vehicle malfunction, or road conditions.

However, accidents with large commercial trucks can have many other contributing factors and involve other people and entities that are unique to the trucking industry. These include the following.

The Truck Driver

As the ones directly involved in the accident, the truck drivers are the most obvious choice to hold liable. Many truck accidents that end with catastrophic injuries are caused by drivers who are negligent and participate in dangerous driving behaviors. There are numerous reasons why a truck driver may drive negligently and cause an accident that leads to catastrophic injuries.

· Impaired Driving

· Speeding

· Hours of Service Violations

· Distractive Driving

· Aggressive Driving

· Driving After Taking Sleep Aids

· Overloaded Trucks

The Trucking Company

Even if the truck driver was responsible for the accident, the trucking company that employs the driver could still be held legally accountable for their actions and the damages that result.

The main reason that trucking companies are held responsible for these accidents is because of a profit-over-safety work environment.

Sometimes, trucking companies might establish unrealistic schedules to transport goods. This violates laws regulating the number of hours employees can work before taking a break.

As a result, drivers become too exhausted and fail to practice proper driving habits.

Trucking companies are also expected to examine the truck drivers properly that they’re hiring. They’re responsible for determining if their drivers are qualified and fit for the job by conducting background checks and random screening for alcohol and/or drug abuse.

Additionally, the trucking company has other responsibilities, including providing their drivers with adequate training. A trucker without enough knowledge regarding proper truck maneuvers, handling the load, and driving in inclement weather increases the risk of causing an accident.

Cargo or Loading Company

In some cases, accidents occur when the loading company did not load the cargo properly, causing it to be overweight or unevenly distributed, which can cause the truck to tip over.

Some companies may improperly secure drop boxes and equipment on the road or another vehicle, which could cause tremendous injuries. This can lead to boxes and equipment falling off the truck and creating hazards on the road.

In these situations, the loading company is liable and often responsible for paying damages to the victim(s).

Related article: How Weigh Stations Keep Drivers Safe.

Manufacturer

In other situations, a defective truck or specific components of it are the cause of the accident. It may be a slight problem in the tires, engine, or brakes, which causes it to malfunction and make the driver lose control.

This could mean holding the manufacturer of the truck or its parts responsible for the damages the accident caused.