Liable Entities in Trucking Accidents

Almost all drivers in the U.S. have had to share the road with large commercial trucks. On average, these trucks weigh 20 to 30 times more than the average car, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and can cause extreme damage and devastating injuries in accidents on the road.

In 2013 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that about 95,000 people were injured in accidents involving large trucks. When these traffic accidents and resulting injuries are due to the negligence of a particular person or entity, the victim may be entitled to compensation. If you’ve been injured due to negligence, contact an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible.

A number of different parties and entities are involved in today’s trucking industry, any of which (or multiple) may be held liable for an accident depending on the circumstances, and this will be thoroughly investigated by your attorney.

Here are some common liable entities in trucking accidents:

• Truck drivers – The most common cause of all auto accidents is consistently said to be driver error, and this applies equally to truck drivers. Examples of negligence by truck drivers include intoxicated driving, speeding, failing to yield, and non-compliance with federal regulations.
• Truck companies – Trucking companies may be held liable for losses sustained in accidents, as well as tortious conduct of employees by the doctrine of “respondeat superior.” They also have legal duties to hire trained and qualified drivers, properly maintain all trucks, and operate in a way that poses no unreasonable risks of injury to the general public.
• Mechanics and maintenance companies – These duties are often outsourced by trucking companies to ones which specialize in truck maintenance. These companies may be held liable for accidents which resulted from faulty maintenance of a truck.
• Truck manufacturers – Commercial trucks consist of thousands of separate parts. If defective design, manufacture, or marketing results in an accident, victims may be entitled to compensation via a product liability claim against the truck’s manufacturer.

These are not the only parties which may be liable for a truck accident, and it is always an essential step to have your case reviewed by an attorney. Even in cases in which liability is conceded, your attorney’s assistance will significantly impact how much compensation you receive.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.