When a Trucking Company Can Be Held Liable for an Accident!

What Complicates Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases?

Truck accidents are common in the US. Victims of truck accidents usually sustain many types of losses.

After an accident involving a truck, it’s natural to wonder who is responsible. Trucking companies can be liable for accidents due to various factors, including vehicle maintenance, driver training, hours-of-service compliance, cargo loading, and intentional law violations.

We understand that navigating the legal complexities following a truck accident can be overwhelming. We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand when a trucking company may be liable.

Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies are legally obligated to ensure their vehicles are in top condition. This means regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs to prevent accidents. Failure to maintain vehicles can result in serious consequences, including liability for accidents caused by mechanical issues.

Common mechanical problems that can lead to accidents include:

Faulty brakes: This is a leading cause of truck accidents and can result in catastrophic consequences.
Worn tires: Bald tires can reduce traction, making it difficult to control a truck, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Engine failure: Engine problems can cause a truck to lose power or stall, leading to accidents.
Steering issues: Faulty steering components can make it difficult to control a truck, increasing the risk of accidents.

Numerous examples of case law exist where trucking companies have been held liable for accidents caused by poor vehicle maintenance. In one notable case, a trucking company was found liable after a fatal accident caused by a brake failure. The court determined that the company had failed to properly maintain the truck’s brakes, leading to the accident.

Driver Training and Background Checks

Proper driver training is essential for ensuring that truck drivers have the skills and knowledge to operate these large and complex vehicles safely. Adequate training helps drivers understand traffic laws, vehicle mechanics, defensive driving techniques, and emergency procedures.

Background checks are equally important. They can help identify potential red flags in a driver’s history, such as accidents, traffic violations, or criminal convictions. These checks can help prevent accidents caused by drivers who may pose a safety risk.

Inadequate training or background checks can contribute to accidents in several ways. Poorly trained drivers may not have the skills to handle emergency situations or may be more likely to make mistakes while driving. Drivers with a history of accidents or violations may be more prone to future incidents.

Hours-of-Service Regulations

Hours-of-service regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue, a major cause of truck accidents. These regulations limit the number of hours that drivers can be on duty and require them to take breaks and rest periods.

Violations of hours-of-service regulations can have serious consequences, including accidents and fines. When fatigued, drivers are more likely to make mistakes, such as falling asleep at the wheel or reacting slowly to hazards.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 500,000 people are injured yearly in large truck accidents. Driver fatigue is a contributing factor in approximately 10% of all fatal truck accidents. Violations of hours-of-service regulations are common in truck accidents involving fatigued drivers.

Cargo Loading and Securing

Proper cargo loading and securing are essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of truck drivers and other motorists. When cargo is not loaded and secured properly, it can shift or spill during transit, leading to accidents.

Improperly secured loads can pose several risks, including:

Obstructed vision: Cargo that shifts can obstruct a driver’s view, making it difficult to see other vehicles or hazards.
Loss of control: A shifting load can cause a truck to lose control, leading to accidents.
Property damage: Spilled cargo can damage other vehicles or property.

Intentional Law Violations

Trucking companies can be held liable for intentional law violations, even if individual employees committed the violations. This is known as corporate liability.

Trucking companies can be held liable for encouraging or incentivizing illegal behavior, such as pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations or to drive while fatigued. When a company creates a culture that rewards or tolerates illegal behavior, it can be held responsible for the consequences of those actions.

Establishing Liability

To establish liability in a trucking accident case, the following four elements must be proven:

Employment: The plaintiff must prove that the driver who caused the accident was an employee of the trucking company.
Negligence: The plaintiff must prove that the trucking company or its employees acted negligently and failed to exercise reasonable care.
Causation: The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence was the direct cause of the accident.
Scope of employment: The plaintiff must prove that the driver acted within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident.

If the plaintiff can prove all four elements, the trucking company may be held liable for the damages caused by the accident.

Conclusion

Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by various factors, including vehicle maintenance, driver training, hours-of-service compliance, cargo loading, and intentional law violations.

Trucking companies must adhere to safety regulations to prevent accidents and avoid liability and ensure that their employees are properly trained and supervised.