Accidents with commercial trucks can be devastating. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—that’s 20 times heavier than the average car. When a crash happens, the damage is often severe, leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. But when it comes to truck accident liability, things aren’t always straightforward. Unlike a crash between two passenger cars, multiple parties could be responsible. Understanding who can be held accountable is critical when seeking compensation.
How Is Liability Determined in a Truck Accident?
Liability in a truck accident is based on negligence. This means proving that someone acted carelessly or failed to follow the law, leading to the crash. Investigators look at several factors to determine fault:
- Truck Driver Negligence – Was the driver speeding, distracted, or fatigued? Did they violate federal hours-of-service regulations?
- Trucking Company Responsibility – Did the company fail to maintain the truck? Did they pressure the driver to work beyond legal limits?
- Cargo Loaders and Shippers – Was the truck’s cargo loaded improperly, causing an imbalance or spill?
- Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Providers – Did faulty brakes, tires, or other defective parts contribute to the accident?
To prove liability, evidence such as driver logs, black box data, surveillance footage, and expert analysis is often needed. A skilled attorney can help gather and interpret this evidence.
The Complexity of Commercial Truck Accident Liability
Unlike regular car accidents, truck crashes involve state and federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules on truck maintenance, driver hours, and cargo loading. If a company or driver violates these regulations, they may be held responsible.
Another challenge is that trucking companies and insurers often try to shift blame. They might argue that a driver was acting independently, even when employed by the company. They may also claim that a third party—like a maintenance provider or parts manufacturer—is at fault. Sorting through these arguments requires legal knowledge and experience.
Multiple Parties Could Be Liable
Truck accident cases often involve more than one liable party. Here’s how different parties could share responsibility:
- Truck drivers – If they were reckless, speeding, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service laws.
- Trucking companies – If they failed to maintain their fleet, forced drivers to work overtime, or neglected safety regulations.
- Manufacturers – If a defective truck part contributed to the crash.
- Cargo loaders – If improper loading led to an accident.
- Government agencies – If unsafe road conditions played a role in the crash.
Identifying all possible liable parties is key to maximizing compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue – Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, affecting reaction time and decision-making.
- Distracted Driving – Texting, eating, or using a GPS while driving can be deadly.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving – Large trucks take longer to stop, making high-speed accidents especially dangerous.
- Poor Truck Maintenance – Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and steering failures can lead to serious crashes.
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo – Unbalanced loads can cause rollovers or lost cargo, creating hazards for other drivers.
- Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol or drug use by truck drivers is illegal and extremely dangerous.
- Bad Weather Conditions – Rain, snow, and fog can make it harder for truck drivers to stop or control their vehicles.
What Compensation Can You Seek After a Commercial Truck Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses – From emergency room visits to long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost wages – If your injuries prevent you from working for any period of time.
- Pain and suffering – For the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
- Property damage – To cover repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
- Wrongful death damages – If a loved one was killed in the crash.
Because truck accidents often result in severe injuries, the settlements and verdicts in these cases can be substantial. Trucking companies and their insurers will fight hard to minimize payouts. That’s why having a lawyer who understands truck accident liability is so important.
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Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you are involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and get medical help immediately.
- Document the Scene – Take pictures and videos of the accident, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries.
- Get Witness Information – Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries can appear later. A medical record also helps your case.
- Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Alone – Trucking company insurers may try to get you to settle for less than you deserve.
- Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer – A lawyer can help gather evidence, determine liability, and fight for fair compensation.
How Lowe Law Group Can Help
At Lowe Law Group, we know how overwhelming a truck accident can be. Your health and well-being come first, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team has experience handling complex truck accident liability cases, gathering the right evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies.
We have helped truck accident victims recover millions of dollars in damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. We understand the strategies trucking companies and insurers use to avoid paying claims, and we won’t back down in the fight for justice.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, don’t wait. Contact Lowe Law Group today for a free consultation. Let us help you hold the right parties accountable and get the justice you deserve.