Due to a multitude of factors, including state and federal regulations as well as the overall size and complexity of operating and maintaining tractor trailers, there are multiple individuals or companies that may be solely or share responsibility for causing truck accidents. Possible parties that me held liable for your injuries if involved in an accident with a semi-truck include:
- The truck driver – a negligent driver who caused an accident due to fatigue, distraction, speeding, impairment, lack of training or other reckless driving
- The trucking company – likely the primary defendant in a truck accident lawsuit who carries the insurance coverage to compensate you for your injuries. The trucking company can be held liable either through vicarious liability or direct company negligence.
- The cargo loader and shipper – may be held liable for failing to follow safety protocols with regards to overloading, improper balance, unsecured cargo or violating hazardous material protocols
- Maintenance and repair entities – in-house maintenance crews or third-party repair shops failing to properly maintain the tractor trailer with regards to brakes, steering or otherwise could cause the maintenance and repair companies to be held liable for a truck accident
- Truck or parts manufacturers – if a part of the vehicle during design or manufacture breaks and subsequently causes a truck accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for the accident and damages.
- Government and other public entities – public entities may be held responsible for the injuries of a truck accident in several situations, including failure to maintain roadways (potholes, pavement, dropoffs on the sides of highways, etc.), malfunctioning traffic signals, and poor road design
