A truck accident has the potential to be the most dangerous type of collision. The large size of the commercial truck and the speed at which they travel combine to create catastrophic damages. Unfortunately, innocent drivers, like you, must deal with the aftermath.
You may be wondering what legal rights you have to pursue compensation following a truck accident. It starts with understanding which parties you may file a lawsuit against for compensation. In trucking accidents, these are the main parties who can hold responsibility for causing the crash.
Trucking Company
The trucking company often owns the trucks within its fleet. The trucking company may employ the drivers and other employees responsible for adhering to federal trucking regulations. There are some situations in which the company encourages violations of these regulations to meet deadlines and make a profit.
The trucking company may hold liability in any of the following circumstances:
- The company encourages violations of the Hours of Service regulations.
- The company fails to inspect and maintain trucks within its fleet.
- The company encourages employees to overload cargo trailers beyond the 80,000-pound limit.
Truck Driver
The truck driver can hold liability if they own their truck and fail to maintain it or voluntarily work longer than the Hours of Service regulations allow. The truck driver must also ensure they perform maintenance on the truck before driving to ensure everything is safe for travel.
Other Employees
Some employees are responsible for loading the trailer with the cargo. They must consider the overall weight limits. They must also ensure that they are properly loading the trailer, so there is equal weight distribution. When one side of the trailer is heavier than the other, it can cause a rollover accident on a sharp turn.
Manufacturers
Truck and part manufacturers must inspect and test elements of their product to ensure all people on the road are safe. Brake failure and tire blowouts can cause truck drivers to lose control and crash into other drivers.
Our Colorado Springs truck accident lawyers at Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C. work hard for you to pursue the rightful compensation you deserve. Let our team guide you through the process and obtain justice against the negligent parties who cause you harm.
Call us today at (719) 625-3310 to discuss your potential case.