Depending on the circumstances of the accident, it can be difficult for a person to know who precisely is to blame for a truck accident. For example, it may seem like a driver’s mistakes may make them at fault in some cases, but the law may actually place the majority of the blame on the driver’s employer instead. Knowing who is liable for causing these accidents is an important first step towards fighting for compensation.

Liable Parties in a Truck Accident

There are several different possible instances in which truck accident liability may seem to overlap. However, there are some general rules when it comes to who is to blame that can clarify some of these situations. These general rules include the following:

  • Claims over driver error on the road are often filed against the driver
  • Claims over drunk driving are often filed against the driver
  • Claims over drivers who exceeded their legal work limits due to employer pressure are filed against the trucking company
  • Claims over drivers who shouldn’t have reasonably been allowed behind the wheel are often filed against the trucking company
  • Claims over unexpected parts failures are filed against the automotive manufacturer
  • Claims over reasonably expectable parts failures are filed against the trucking company

In case of any confusion or questions, an injured motorist should consider speaking with a legal professional about their prospective case. In some instances, the precise details of a claim may be up for significant legal interpretation or there may be shared liability, making it important for a claimant to clearly understand their full range of options.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, we may be able to help with the process of filing a compensation claim against the responsible party. For answers to your questions and concerns about your injury claim, contact an attorney from the Cottrell Law Office, today by calling 800-364-8305.