When semi-trucks cause crashes with smaller vehicles, the people affected often have major expenses to address. The vehicles involved may require significant repairs or may no longer be safe to drive. The occupants of the vehicle could sustain life-altering or fatal injuries.
In some cases, it could be possible to pursue a lawsuit against the commercial driver who caused the crash. However, that professional may not have the resources to fully reimburse the people affected by the wreck. Any of the five parties below could potentially have a degree of liability for the crash, which could give the people affected access to more robust compensation.
What parties other than the commercial driver might be liable for a semi-truck wreck?
1. The transportation company
There are many ways in which a trucking company could incur liability for a crash involving one of its employees and its vehicles. Improper training of workers or high-pressure employment policies could lead to liability, as could inadequate maintenance of the vehicle.
A transportation company could have a degree of vicarious liability even in scenarios where there are no signs of the company engaging in negligent employment or maintenance practices. Businesses generally have a degree of liability for their employees’ behavior while on the clock.
2. Clients or others loading the trailer
Outside businesses may have liability for a semi-truck crash if the incident occurred due to a poorly-loaded trailer. Putting too much weight on one side, overloading the trailer or failing to disclose liquid contents could all possibly result in the transportation professional losing control of the vehicle. If issues with the load cause the driver to lose control, then the party that loaded the trailer could be liable.
3. Parts manufacturers
The safe operation of a commercial truck relies in no small part on the truck being in good condition. If vehicle manufacturers or maintenance specialists acquired defective parts from a manufacturer, the failure of those components could be responsible for a crash. A business that produces defective parts can sometimes be liable for the harm those products cause.
4. Maintenance or service companies
Businesses and professionals that repair trucks must be very diligent. They have to follow best practices and ensure that the vehicle is in safe condition before returning it to their clients. In scenarios where mistakes by a mechanic or a similar professional led to systems failing and the vehicle crashing, that professional or business may have a degree of liability for the incident.
5. Local government entities
Sometimes, crashes occur due to issues with the road, with road design or with safety infrastructure. Inadequate signage, improper maintenance of roadside vegetation and poorly-maintained streets can all potentially cause collisions.
Exploring whether any of those five parties may have a degree of liability for a semi-truck crash can help those affected by a commercial collision. Businesses often have better insurance, more assets and higher income than individual drivers, making them better sources of compensation.