Truck accidents can have devastating consequences and effects on the victim and all the other affected parties. Determining liability in such cases can be especially complex since there are so many potentially liable parties. It is important to understand the factors that go into determining liability. In most cases, the trucking company is held liable.
When you realize that the trucking company may be responsible for your injuries, it can be intimidating to think that you may have to go against a big and powerful company. However, nothing is impossible when you have strong legal representation by your side. Consult with a Houston truck accidents lawyer today.
When is a trucking company liable in a truck accident?
A trucking company is not always liable in a truck accident, but there are many factors that determine their liability. Things such as the hiring process, vehicle maintenance, overloading, cargo hazards, and laws matter during the investigation process.
For example, if it is found during the investigation that the trucking company failed to conduct proper maintenance checkups, which led to the accident, they will be held liable for being negligent. Likewise, allowing inexperienced or unlicensed drivers to drive such dangerous vehicles also makes the trucking company liable.
Trucking companies are liable when they violate federal and state regulations. They must make sure the drivers are keeping an active logbook of their number of hours of driving and rest. They should overwork the drivers and make sure they remain within their driving limits. If an accident is caused because of a driver’s sleepiness, the trucking company may or may not be held liable.
What are the common reasons for trucking company liability?
Here are some of the most common reasons for trucking company liability.
- Negligent hiring and training.
As per the government guidelines, the trucking companies are to make sure that the drivers they hire have a commercial driver’s license, are skilled for the work they are being hired for, and have no criminal history. Not following the proper recruitment protocols can get them in trouble.
- Hours of service violations.
Truck drivers are required to drive only a certain number of hours in a day to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Trucking companies should make sure that their drivers are well-rested and well-slept. When a trucking company turns a blind eye or encourages drivers to work on low sleep, they become liable for the accident.
If you or your loved one was in a trucking company accident, you deserve compensation. Contact an attorney today.
