After a truck accident, victims tend to have lots of questions. These questions include: who will bear the loss? Who should be held responsible for the accident? Can more than one person share the liability?
Who bears liability after a truck accident varies depending on the circumstances surrounding an accident. The different parties that could be liable after a California truck accident or states with similar laws are explained below.
The Truck Driver
The truck driver is sometimes liable after an accident, especially when they are responsible for mistakes that led to the accident. For instance, a truck driver is liable if he is distracted while driving. Many truck drivers have also been found guilty of eating, chatting, and calling, which often leads to accidents.
When a truck driver refuses to adhere to the road rules, it can cause accidents. Also, some drivers ignore the number of hours spent behind the wheel, increasing their fatigue and decreasing their concentration levels when driving.
Truck drivers are advised to take a nap when needed, but most drivers ignore it because they want to meet deadlines. Fatigue can cause a driver to lose vision or even sleep behind the wheel, resulting in a severe accident.
Sometimes, truck drivers can become frustrated for various reasons, including how other drivers behave on the road. However, when a truck driver chooses to express his anger by being aggressive at the wheel, it increases the risk of an accident.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company can also be liable after a C truck accident. It is the responsibility of trucking companies to care for drivers and other road users. For instance, some trucking companies allow their drivers to drive more than the recommended hours by the government. In addition, some companies place intense workload pressure on drivers, leading them to over-speed to meet deadlines.
Many trucking companies don’t employ an adequate number of drivers, which makes few people work extra time. Some also employ unqualified drivers, which increases the risk of an accident. In addition, trucking companies who refuse to scrutinize their drivers’ records or employ reckless drivers may bear the loss caused by those drivers.
Furthermore, trucking companies whose trucks do not meet safety standards will be liable after a California truck accident. Therefore, they should often check, maintain and repair their trucks to reduce the risk of an accident.
The Loading Company
In some cases, a trucking company can hire another company to handle loading. However, a customer may also decide to load their goods onto the truck. Sometimes, the loading company may load dangerously, increasing the risk of an accident.
For instance, when a trailer is not well tied to a truck, it could reduce the driver’s ability to control the truck. It could also result in the trailer pulling off the truck, resulting in an accident. Also, when cargo falls off a trailer, it could fall on the road or another vehicle, leading to an accident. Additionally, when a trailer is overloaded or not properly arranged, it could throw the trailer off balance, increasing the risk of an accident.
Mechanics and truck manufacturers could also be liable after a California truck accident. An accident’s circumstances will be considered before anyone is held liable for any accident. It is advised that you seek the help of a lawyer if you’re involved in a truck accident regarding who bears the liability for an accident.
