Truck accident cases are complicated for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest is that multiple parties besides the driver could all be held liable for the same crash.
The truck accident lawyers in Harrisburg at Schmidt Kramer have created a list of some of the entities that are often held liable for truck accidents, including some of the common reasons they are held responsible.
If you suffered a serious injury in a truck collision, you should strongly consider meeting with an experienced attorney who knows how to collect evidence to determine who is responsible. If all responsible parties are not identified, you could miss out on some of the compensation you are entitled to for medical expenses and other damages.
Liable Parties for a Truck Accident
Various entities are responsible for the safe operation of a commercial truck, including safely securing the cargo that is on board. Some of these entities include:
Truck Drivers
Trucking companies have tight deadlines, which often leads to drivers spending many consecutive hours on the road with little rest. They are often fatigued and drowsy, which can lead to them falling asleep at the wheel or not being as attentive as they should be. This is particularly dangerous when they are on the road at night.
Despite the pressure drivers are under to meet deadlines, they have the same obligation to follow the rules of the road as drivers of traditional passenger vehicles. This means truck drivers can be held liable for accidents caused by drowsy driving and other forms of reckless driving, including:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Violating your right-of-way
- Following other vehicles too closely
Truck Companies
If the truck driver’s employer had him or her on the road for too many consecutive hours, the company could be held liable for the accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict limits on the number of hours truck drivers can be on the road before they must take a break.
The FMCSA sets numerous other rules that trucking companies must follow to prevent accidents and help ensure the safety of their drivers and others on the road. Unfortunately, companies often violate these rules for the sake of meeting deadlines and making money.
Cargo Companies
These entities are responsible for loading the cargo onto the truck. Unfortunately, these companies often cut corners when loading cargo, failing to properly secure it or overloading the truck with more weight than it was designed to handle.
If cargo fell off the truck or the driver lost control of the vehicle because it was overloaded with cargo, the cargo company could be held liable for your injuries.
Manufacturers
Defective parts often cause truck accidents with severe injuries or deaths because these vehicles are so much larger than traditional passenger vehicles.
If the brakes, tires, engine components or other parts were defective and this contributed to your accident, the company that manufactured the parts or the truck itself could be held responsible.
Contact a Harrisburg Truck Accident Attorney Today
Determining who is responsible for the injuries you suffered in a truck accident can be complicated. Having an attorney at your side could be a huge advantage as you pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered.
The Harrisburg truck accident lawyers at Schmidt Kramer have pursued compensation for many truck accident cases and know what it takes to be successful. If we take your case, we will launch a comprehensive investigation to determine who was at fault and how much compensation you are entitled.
Schedule a free legal consultation today by calling (717) 888-8888.