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Anyone that has been involved in a large truck accident, often times referred to as a big rig or 18-wheeler, can attest to how traumatizing of an experience it may be. Truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, widespread property damage, and even death in some cases. Trucking accidents are unfortunately common on Dallas roads; the Texas Department of Transportation reports that in 2013 alone truck accidents led to 359 fatalities, as well as numerous other serious injuries.
After a truck wreck has occurred, many parties involved generally point fingers at a driver’s actions (or inactions, in some cases), or even inclement weather conditions, as the underlying causes of the crash. While these elements may play a part in wrecks involving trucks, there may be other factors at play that exist beneath the visible surface.
Liability of the Trucking Company
It may seem like only the drivers involved in a truck crash could possibly be responsible for any injuries sustained as a result, but in actuality the company that employed the truck driver may also be considered liable, depending on the circumstances. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets forth specific guidelines for trucking companies to follow, and any breach of these that leads to a subsequent injury could signal liability. For example, a trucking company may be held liable if it hires an inexperienced driver or one who fails a drug or alcohol test, and this driver causes a crash. Additionally, a trucking company may also be liable for an accident if it incentivizes a driver to work more than is allowed by government regulations, and the fatigued driver’s negligence leads to a wreck.
Trucking Liability of Other Parties Involved
The truck driver and the trucking company are not the only parties that can be held liable in a trucking accident, though. The shipper or loader of the goods on the truck may be held liable as well if they overloaded the truck, or if they loaded the truck improperly and this was the underlying cause of the crash. Oil companies can be held liable for accidents involving the transport of oil in the Permian Basin. Or, in some cases, if the trucking company leased the truck from a third party, this third party may be held liable if it can be shown that required maintenance was not conducted on the vehicle.
Furthermore, another party commonly held liable in trucking accidents is the manufacturer of the vehicle, tire, or other parts within the truck. If the injured party can show that one of these parts was defective, and that this defect ultimately led to the crash, the manufacturer of the defective part may be labeled as a defendant.
Why You Need an Dallas Truck Accident Attorney to Help You
If you have sustained injuries in a truck accident in Dallas, it is imperative that you seek the help of an attorney immediately. There may be more than one party liable for your injuries, and a legal professional can investigate each person or organization that contributed to the crash in order to secure you the maximum compensation for your injuries. Some parties, such as the trucking company or vehicle manufacturer, may attempt to shirk responsibility for the action; an attorney can make sure that each responsible party is held liable for their actions that contributed to the crash. Additionally, an attorney can ensure that you file a claim within the proper time limits as provided by Texas law. Don’t wait any longer; contact Tate Law Offices, P.C., today by calling 888-769-1086 for a free truck accident case review.
