Although all motorists have a legal duty to drive in a safe manner, truck drivers have an even greater responsibility on the road. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer combination can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. At this size, a truck can cause devastating damage. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, you may have considerable medical bills and other costs caused by the accident. You may also be wondering who is at fault for the damages you suffered.

Determining Fault in a Car Accident Involving a Commercial Truck

Truck accident liability may lie with a number of different parties depending on the circumstances of the accident, including the following:

  • Truck Driver or Trucking Company: Sometimes, fault lies with the truck driver himself or herself. If a truck driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, violating traffic laws, or was otherwise driving in a negligent or reckless manner, the driver or the trucking company he or she works for may be liable for damages.

  • Company Responsible for Truck Maintenance: If a truck accident was caused by problems with the truck’s tires, breaks, steering mechanism, or another truck component, liability may lie with the company responsible for truck maintenance. Issues such as brake failure, broken tail lights, shredded tires, defective fifth-wheel couplings, lack of reflective tape, or missing blind spot mirrors may all be caused by improper truck maintenance.

  • Designer or Manufacturer of the Truck or Truck Parts: Auto parts are often recalled because of defects that can lead to an accident. If a truck accident was caused by a defective truck or truck part, the company who designed or manufactured the defective element may be liable for the damages caused.

  • Party Responsible for Loading the Truck: Semi-trucks and other large trucks are responsible for transporting over 70 percent of all U.S. freight. If cargo is not properly loaded and secured on a truck, it can cause the truck to become dangerously off-balance. Loose cargo may even become dislodged from the truck and spill onto the roadway. If an accident is caused by falling cargo or improperly loaded freight, the responsibility for an accident may lie with the party who loaded and secured the cargo.

Contact a McHenry County Personal Injury Lawyer

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic damage to property and human life. If you or a loved one have suffered due to a truck accident, contact a member of the team at Botto Gilbert Lancaster, PC to discuss your legal options. Call us at 815-338-3838 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Crystal Lake truck accident attorney today.

 

Source:

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/trucking-industry-facts-us-truckers-2019-5-1028248577?op=1

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