When is a Trucking Company Liable in an Accident?
When most people think about who is responsible for a truck accident, they immediately think of the driver. However, the trucking companies that hire the drivers may also be liable for damages in certain situations, providing even more compensation to victims injured in these tragic crashes. At Mitch Grissim & Associates, we investigate all possible liable parties in trucking accidents around Nashville and will fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more, call or contact us today.
Failure to Perform Background Checks
One situation where a trucking company can be held liable after an accident is if they failed to perform the necessary background checks and vet their drivers before they get on the road. Trucking companies have a duty to ensure that they only hire drivers with clean driving records and no history of driving while under the influence or engaging in other dangerous behaviors while behind the wheel. If a dangerous driver causes an accident, the trucking company that hired them can be liable for damages.
Failure to Maintain Trucks
Trucking companies may be liable for any accidents that occur due to a failure to maintain the vehicles in their fleet. This situation applies when the trucking company owns and maintains the large commercial trucks they use, and not when the trucks are owned by the individual drivers. Failure to maintain the vehicle can result in equipment failures, such as the brakes failing or a tire blowing out while on the road. When a crash occurs because of a failure to maintain the vehicle, whoever was responsible for that duty, including the trucking company, can be held liable for any damages that result.
Improper Loading of Vehicles
Another situation where a trucking company may be liable for an accident is when they are responsible for the improper loading of a commercial truck. Improper loading can happen when the heaviest items are loaded on top or loaded more to one side than the other, causing the entire vehicle to be off balance. This can lead to jackknife accidents and rollovers on the road, potentially causing catastrophic accidents with the truck and other vehicles.
Forcing Drivers to Meet Unreasonable Timelines
Trucking companies may also be liable if they force their drivers to meet unreasonable timelines that result in reckless driving and an accident. Some trucking companies will flout the laws that require truck drivers to only drive a certain number of hours per day, requiring them to operate these large vehicles while drowsy and sleep deprived. Other truck drivers will take drugs or illegal medications to keep them awake while driving, leading to further accidents with smaller cars, trucks, and motorcycles on the road. If it can be proven that a driver was operating their vehicle negligently to meet the company’s requirements, the trucking company may be found liable for any accidents that occur.
Call or Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a large commercial truck, it is important to know that you do not have to go through this alone. Call the office or contact us today at Mitch Grissim & Associates to schedule a free consultation of your case with one of our experienced Nashville truck accident attorneys now.
