Who Should Be Held Responsible If You Are In a Commercial Truck Accident?

In the aftermath of a commercial truck accident, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for any resulting injuries. Is it only the driver? Is it the company that employs him or her? What about other factors like poor road conditions or defective truck parts? While there may not be one right answer in every case, understanding how liability works can help victims seek justice and compensation for their losses. In this article, we'll unpack who should be held responsible if you are in a commercial truck accident so that you can make an informed decision on your next steps. 

The Role of Commercial Truck Companies

When it comes to assigning blame for a commercial truck accident, employers are often held responsible for their drivers’ behavior. This is because companies have a duty to ensure adequate training and supervise any employees who are behind the wheel. Employers must also make sure that their trucks meet all safety standards and regulations, as well as inspect them regularly for maintenance and repair. When companies fail in these responsibilities, they may be liable for any resulting damages or injuries from an accident.

Drivers' Responsibility

Although employers bear some of the burden when it comes to liability in a commercial truck accident, drivers are ultimately responsible for their own actions behind the wheel. Drivers must always operate their trucks safely and responsibly while obeying all traffic laws and other regulations related to driving large vehicles. If a driver fails to do so, then he or she could be found negligent in an accident case, which could result in personal injury claims being brought against them by victims. 

Negligence

In most cases of negligence related to commercial truck accidents, both the driver and the company can be held liable if they had some degree of responsibility for the crash. For example, if a driver was found distracted at the time of the crash or the company neglected its duty to maintain its fleet properly, then both parties could be named in a claim. Similarly, if both parties contributed in some way to causing an accident (e.g., poor road conditions caused by weather/traffic), then both drivers and employers may be held liable as well. 

The laws surrounding contributory negligence vary from state to state, so it's important to understand how your particular state handles liability for personal injury victims involved in commercial truck accidents. In some states, even if you were partially at fault for an accident (like not wearing your seatbelt), you may still be able to pursue compensation from those responsible; however, this isn't always true everywhere so it's best to consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury law should you find yourself in such a situation. 

Our Texas Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

At VB Attorneys, we have taken trucking companies to court – and won. We do not let companies take advantage of people who have been injured by their negligence. Our track record proves it.

Let's get started on your case today. Fill out a contact form or call 713-224-7800. You can count on us to answer all your questions, make sure you understand your legal rights, and hold the trucking company accountable.