Truck accidents tend to cause severe injuries, but determining liability is often complicated. Multiple parties could share responsibility for a truck accident, so you need to identify all liable parties to secure full compensation.
The parties that are commonly responsible for trucking accidents include the truck driver, the trucking company or the manufacturer of the truck or its parts.
The truck driver’s liability
A truck driver may be liable if their actions directly led to a motor vehicle accident. These negligent actions could include speeding, distracted driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Commercial drivers are also liable if they violate federal or state regulations related to rest periods. When a truck driver fails to operate the vehicle safely, they can be accountable for the damages that result.
The trucking company’s liability
The company has a responsibility to follow federal regulations governing the trucking industry. This means that the company must hire qualified drivers and maintain its vehicles properly. If the company failed to conduct proper background checks or encouraged drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations, it could be responsible for an accident. Pursuing the trucking company’s liability is an important part of the legal process, as the company often has the resources to compensate you for the extensive damages that result from truck accidents.
The manufacturer’s liability
In some cases, a defective truck part may contribute to an accident. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe for use. If a tire, brake system or other essential truck component fails and causes an accident, the manufacturer may be liable. Defective designs or manufacturing errors could lead to product recalls, but if an accident occurs before the discovery of a defect, you can pursue the manufacturer for compensation.
Tennessee law makes it possible to pursue claims against the truck driver, the trucking company and the manufacturer to recover damages for injuries after a truck accident. Exploring all avenues of compensation will help you recover lost wages and other related expenses.
