In a truck accident case, some of the entities who can be sued may include the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, cargo loader, government entities, and third–party contractors.
Unlike typical car accidents, truck accident cases often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility. Understanding who can be sued in a truck accident case is crucial to ensuring you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries, losses, and suffering.
Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers can help you through this complex process and hold the right parties accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident case can be challenging because the trucking industry involves multiple entities, each with specific roles and responsibilities. Below are some of the key parties who may be held liable in a truck accident claim:
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers are often the first party investigated after an accident. They can be held liable if their negligence or misconduct caused the collision. Common examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or any activity that takes their focus off the road
- Driving Under the Influence: Operating the truck while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Fatigue: Violating hours-of-service regulations and driving while excessively tired
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive driving, or failing to follow traffic laws
If the truck driver’s actions directly caused the accident, they may be held personally responsible for the resulting damages.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies play a significant role in ensuring their drivers and vehicles operate safely. They can be held liable for accidents caused by:
- Improper Hiring Practices: Employing drivers without proper training, licensing, or a clean driving record
- Failure to Maintain Vehicles: Neglecting regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance on their fleet
- Pressuring Drivers: Encouraging drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations to meet unrealistic deadlines
In many cases, trucking companies are held responsible for their employees’ actions under the legal principle of vicarious liability, which means employers are accountable for the negligence of their workers while on the job.
The Truck Manufacturer or Parts Manufacturer
If a defect in the truck or one of its components contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be sued in a truck accident case. Examples of defective parts include:
- Faulty Brakes
- Tire Blowouts
- Steering System Failures
- Malfunctioning Safety Features
In such cases, a product liability claim can be filed against the manufacturer or supplier of the defective equipment.
The Cargo Loader or Shipper
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced, making it harder to control and more likely to overturn. Cargo loaders or shipping companies can be held liable if their negligence in loading or securing the truck contributed to the accident.
Government Entities
If poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or lack of maintenance contributed to the accident, a government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway might be held liable. However, suing a government entity involves special legal procedures and shorter deadlines, so it’s essential to act quickly.
Third-Party Contractors
The trucking industry often involves third-party contractors, such as maintenance providers, freight brokers, or leasing companies. If their negligence played a role in the accident, they may also be held accountable.
How Does Liability Work in a Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accidents because they involve multiple layers of liability. Determining who can be sued in a commercial truck accident claim requires:
- Thorough Investigation: Examining police reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data from the truck
- Expert Analysis: Consulting accident reconstruction experts, engineers, and industry specialists to determine fault
- Complex Legal Knowledge: Working within the complex web of state and federal trucking regulations to identify violations
(310) 526-8383Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are not only emotionally and physically draining—they’re also legally complex. Insurance companies and trucking companies often have aggressive legal teams working to minimize their liability. That’s why you need a skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who can level the playing field.
We can help by:
- Identifying All Liable Parties: Ensuring no responsible party is overlooked
- Maximizing Compensation: Fighting for both economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
- Negotiating with Insurers: Countering lowball settlement offers and protecting your rights
- Taking Your Case to Court: If necessary, we’re prepared to present a compelling case in front of a judge and jury
Contact a Truck Accident Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, figuring out who is responsible can feel overwhelming. At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have the experience, resources, and dedication to help you hold the right parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
When it comes to fighting for justice, you’re not alone—Omega Law Group is here to help.
