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If you suffer a catastrophic injury in a truck accident, it’s essential to recognize which parties can be held accountable for the damages you sustain. There are many situations that can change who you take legal action against after a trucking accident. We’ll help you understand how each can be responsible for causing a collision.
The Truck Driver
Like in any kind of accident, a driver must follow all rules of the road including speed limits, traffic laws, and more. Truck drivers also have additional regulations they must abide by to keep the general public safe. However, they’re often pressured to make long trips in a timely manner in an effort to protect profits.
Truck drivers may be negligent if they’re driving while fatigued, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or distracted by the cellphone or radio. In many situations, truck drivers hold some liability for their actions on the road.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company can be liable for many different reasons. Of course, if the owner of the trucking company threatens a driver’s job for not meeting a deadline, they can be responsible for the driver exceeding the allowable hours of service.
The trucking company must also ensure that all trucks in the fleet are maintained properly to avoid any potential issues on the road. Lack of maintenance can lead to devastating collisions, and the owner of the truck holds some liability in that.
Other employees in the trucking industry can also be accountable, such as the parties responsible for loading the trailer within weight restrictions and evenly. Also, third parties can be responsible for producing parts on the truck that are defective.
Our truck accident attorneys at Maring Williams Law Office service clients throughout North Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. It’s our primary focus to guide you through the complicated legal matters to pursue the compensation and justice you need and deserve.
For a free consultation, call us today at (701) 402-6644.