Collisions involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other types of large commercial trucks are devastating. Since these commercial vehicles are massive in size and weight compared to your average passenger car, an accident often leads to catastrophic and fatal injuries.
In addition, commercial truck accidents are quite complex because the truck driver may not be the only person or party responsible for such crashes. With the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, individuals who are injured in a truck accident must conduct a thorough investigation, review the evidence collected, and determine the other parties liable for the collision.
The following are some of the parties who could be potentially responsible for a commercial truck accident:
Truck driver – Truckers often cause collisions due to negligent behavior. Common examples include distracted driving, intoxicated driving, fatigued driving, or speeding. In addition, truck drivers have a duty to inspect their vehicles to ensure the cargo is loaded properly and routine maintenance has been conducted. If a crash was caused by a cargo or maintenance issue, the truck could be held partly liable.
Trucking company – Carriers have a responsibility to ensure all drivers are properly trained, always adhere to state and federal guidelines, and adequately keep records of all trips. However, trucking companies may encourage truckers to spend more time on the road than the FMCSA hours-of-service limits to meet deadlines quicker or cut corners in maintenance to save money.
Cargo contractors – Some trucking companies are essentially contractors that ship cargo for other companies. If the cargo was inadequately loaded, causing it to shift during transit, or overloaded to put extra weight on the truck, and cargo issues contributed to the accident, the cargo shippers and loaders could be held responsible.
Truck and truck parts manufacturer – Many truck accidents are caused by defective or failing trucking components, such as brake failures, steering issues, and tire blowouts. Although this could be a maintenance problem that the truck driver must address, parts, or systems that are initially defective can result in a product liability claim against the manufacturers.
At Orr Law Firm, we are committed to maximizing the compensation our clients deserve after being injured in a truck accident. We understand what it takes to thoroughly investigate truck accidents and hold all potential parties responsible for their negligent actions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Denver, CO, contact us today at (303) 747-4247 and request a free case review.