Truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers can be held responsible for a truck accident. When an accident of this nature occurs, determining liability is a major part of the legal process.
After all, this is an important detail for victims who want to pursue compensation. If you’re interested in filing a claim for the damages you sustained, reach out to an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What Does it Mean to Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident?
Being held responsible for a truck accident means that a person or entity is found legally liable for the damages caused by the crash. This includes covering costs such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, or pain and suffering for the victims.
Liability is determined by investigating factors like driver negligence, mechanical failures, improper cargo loading, or poor road conditions. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash.
When someone is found legally responsible, they may be required to compensate the injured parties according to the findings of an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Ultimately, being held responsible for a truck accident means facing consequences for causing harm.
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How Potentially Liable Parties Can Be Found Liable in a Truck Accident Case
Let’s examine the actions truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers might take before being found responsible for a collision.
The Truck Driver
The truck driver is often the first party to be considered at fault for an accident. If a driver’s negligence contributed to the crash, they may be held responsible for the collision.
But what does negligent behavior look like? The following actions are common examples of driver-related negligence:
- Practicing distracted driving behaviors: This includes—but is not limited to—using a phone, adjusting a navigation device, or eating while driving.
- Driving while tired: Truck drivers often work long hours despite federal regulations that set driving limits, and the level of tiredness this pattern of overworking causes may contribute to a crash.
- Operating a vehicle under the influence: The consumption of alcoholic beverages, prescription drugs, or illicit substances while behind the wheel can impair a driver’s judgment.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Exceeding speed limits or making unsafe maneuvers.
- Failing to follow traffic laws: Running red lights, failing to yield, or making improper lane changes can all result in truck-related crashes.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies can be held liable for truck accidents because they are often responsible for the actions of their employees. It’s also possible that they might be found directly negligent if they engage in the following behaviors:
- Employing drivers without proper background checks or training
- Encouraging or forcing drivers to work beyond federally mandated limits
- Failing to regularly inspect and repair trucks, leading to mechanical failures
- Overloading or unevenly distributing cargo, increasing the risk of rollovers
Maintenance and Repair Companies
Trucking companies often outsource vehicle maintenance to third-party mechanics. If a truck accident is caused by mechanical failure as a result of poor maintenance, the repair shop or mechanic may be held accountable.
Here are a few examples of maintenance–related negligence:
- Failing to inspect brakes or replace worn-out parts
- Neglecting tire replacements, leading to blowouts
- Improperly repairing engine components, causing breakdowns
Cargo Loading Companies
Not all trucks are loaded by trucking companies. Third-party cargo companies often handle the freight side of things, and improper cargo loading can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Liability may arise if either of these situations is applicable:
- Failure to adhere to legal weight limits: Overloaded trucks take longer to stop, so failing to pay attention to weight-related limitations can increase your chances of getting into a crash.
- Failure to check that cargo isn’t unsecured or won’t shift around: If cargo moves while in transit, this can cause an imbalance that throws off the truck driver’s ability to maneuver the car safely, resulting in a rollover or jackknife collision.
The Truck’s Manufacturer or Parts Supplier
Sometimes, a truck accident occurs due to mechanical failure rather than driver error. If a faulty part—such as brakes, tires, or steering components—contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or supplier may be held liable under product liability laws.
A truck accident lawsuit may target manufacturers if any of these factors are present:
- A flaw in the truck’s original design that makes it unsafe.
- Issues caused during production, such as faulty brake systems
- Lack of proper safety warnings or instructions on maintenance.
Comparative Fault and Shared Liability in Truck Accidents
Many truck accidents involve multiple liable parties, meaning fault could be distributed among different entities if more than one person is deemed responsible for the crash. More specifically, Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
In other words, truck accident victims can recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the crash. Furthermore, a victim’s compensation value is often reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if the victim of the crash is discovered to be 30% responsible for the collision, their damages will be reduced by 30%. However, if a victim is 51% or more at fault, they are not allowed to recover compensation.
Reach Out to an Indianapolis Truck Accident Law Firm for More Information About Who Can Be Held Responsible for the Crash
Were you or someone you love involved in a truck accident? Reach out to our law firm as soon as possible. At Vaughan & Vaughan, we are backed by over a century of experience. In that time, we’ve secured more than $25 million in compensation for our clients.
If you’re struggling in the wake of a semi-truck crash, we’re here to help you understand the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. You don’t have to worry about upfront costs—we offer free consultations and only take a fee if we win your case.
That way, you can prioritize your health while we handle the legal battle.
