Trucks cause some of the worst crashes seen on Pennsylvania’s roads. Contrary to what many people think, these accidents are very different from collisions that involve two smaller vehicles. The injuries are much more serious and accident victims often find it challenging to determine which party was liable for the crash. In truck accident cases, the liable party may not have even been at the scene of the crash. The list below shows just how many parties could be potential defendants in a truck accident case, and why it is so difficult to determine which party’s negligence led to the crash.
Truck Drivers
Truckers are often the first person accident victims think of when determining who was at fault for the crash. Truck drivers may be named as a defendant in a truck accident lawsuit if they were under the influence of drugs and alcohol, or if they violated the federal hours of service law and drove while fatigued. Truckers sometimes work as independent contractors, while other times they work for a trucking company. When they work for a trucking company, determining liability becomes even more complicated.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies also have many state and federal laws they must follow. These companies are responsible for ensuring they are only hiring experienced and competent drivers and for conducting thorough background checks on any potential driver. When trucking companies fail to meet these obligations, accident victims can hold them directly liable for the accident.
Truck Manufacturers
Truck manufacturers, and manufacturers that made certain parts of the truck, can also be held liable if any part of the truck was defective. The equipment on a truck is crucial to ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. A defective truck or faulty piece of equipment, such as a truck’s brakes, can cause a very serious accident. Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products are safe and will not cause a crash that results in injuries.
Maintenance Companies
It is not uncommon for trucking companies to outsource the maintenance and inspection of their truck to a third party. Maintenance companies are responsible for ensuring that they properly maintain the truck and that it is safe and road-worthy. When they fail to do this, they can be held liable for any accident that is caused by an improperly maintained truck.
Other Drivers
Many truck accidents involve more than just the truck and one other vehicle. Another driver may have cut the truck off, which caused the driver to crash into them or another vehicle. For this reason, it is crucial to identify all parties involved in a crash so victims and their lawyers can determine who is liable for any injuries that result.
Our Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers can Determine who was Liable for Your Crash
Determining liability after a truck accident is one of the most difficult tasks for accident victims after a collision. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers know how to determine who was at fault for your crash, and we will hold them accountable for paying the full amount of compensation you deserve. If you have been hurt, call us today at (215) 486-0123 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.