Semi-truck accidents can lead to devastating injuries and long-term consequences for victims. In many cases, the truck driver may be immediately identified as responsible for the crash. However, the trucking company itself can also be held liable for the accident, depending on the circumstances. Victims may wonder if they can sue the trucking company for negligence, and the answer often depends on several factors related to the company’s role in the crash. 

When Is the Trucking Company Liable for a Semi-Truck Accident?

Trucking companies have a legal responsibility to ensure that their drivers and vehicles meet safety standards. If the company fails to fulfill these responsibilities, they can be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence. Below are several common scenarios where a trucking company may be held responsible for a semi-truck accident:

• Improper Hiring Practices: Trucking companies must ensure that their drivers are properly qualified and meet the necessary safety standards. If a trucking company hires drivers without checking their qualifications, criminal history, or driving records, they may be held liable if the driver’s lack of experience or poor safety record contributes to an accident.
• Inadequate Training: Commercial truck drivers need to undergo rigorous training to operate large vehicles safely. If the trucking company fails to provide sufficient training or proper safety procedures, it could be held liable if driver inexperience leads to a crash.
• Failure to Maintain Vehicles: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their fleet is regularly inspected and maintained. If a semi-truck is involved in an accident due to poor maintenance or mechanical failure, the company may be held accountable for failing to keep the truck in proper working order.
• Pressuring Drivers to Violate Hours-of-Service Rules: Federal regulations dictate the number of hours a commercial truck driver can be on the road before needing rest. Some trucking companies may pressure drivers to violate these hours-of-service rules to meet delivery deadlines, which increases the risk of driver fatigue and accidents. If a driver causes a crash after being overworked or pressured to drive while fatigued, the trucking company may be liable.

Vicarious Liability in Semi-Truck Accident Cases

In many semi-truck accident cases, the legal concept of “vicarious liability” can also come into play. Vicarious liability means that an employer, in this case, the trucking company, can be held responsible for the actions of its employee (the truck driver) if the driver was acting within the scope of their employment when the accident occurred.

This means that if the truck driver was on the job and performing work-related duties at the time of the accident, the trucking company could be liable for the driver’s negligent behavior. Vicarious liability allows victims to pursue compensation from the trucking company, which typically has greater financial resources than an individual truck driver.

How Do You Prove a Trucking Company’s Negligence?

Proving a trucking company’s negligence in a semi-truck accident requires gathering strong evidence that demonstrates the company’s failure to meet its legal responsibilities. Here are some key pieces of evidence that may be used to build a case against a trucking company:

• Driver Records: Reviewing the truck driver’s qualifications, training history, and driving record can reveal whether the company conducted proper background checks before hiring the driver.
• Maintenance Logs: Maintenance records can provide information about the condition of the truck and whether the company regularly inspected and serviced the vehicle.
• Hours-of-Service Logs: Federal law requires truck drivers to keep logbooks of their driving hours. Examining these logs can show whether the driver was following federal hours-of-service regulations or if the company was pressuring the driver to exceed legal limits.
• Company Safety Policies: Investigating the company’s safety protocols and training procedures can determine whether they were providing sufficient guidance and instruction to their drivers.
• Expert Testimony: In some cases, accident reconstruction experts or trucking industry professionals can help establish the company’s negligence by analyzing evidence and providing testimony on how the accident occurred.

Gathering this evidence and building a strong case often requires the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney who understands the intricacies of the trucking industry and federal regulations.

What Types of Compensation Can You Seek from a Trucking Company?

If you can prove that the trucking company was negligent, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills related to the injuries sustained in the accident, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time away from work while recovering from injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other damaged property.
• Long-Term Disability: Compensation for any permanent injuries that affect your ability to work or enjoy life as you did before the accident.

It’s essential to fully assess the extent of your injuries and losses before accepting any settlement offers from the trucking company or its insurers. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help ensure that you seek the appropriate level of compensation for your situation.

Contact an Experienced Semi-Truck Accident Attorney at Fiedler Trial Lawyers

Semi-truck accidents can be life-altering, and determining liability can be a complex process. If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident and believe the trucking company may be responsible, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you seek justice.

At Fiedler Trial Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling semi-truck accident claims and holding negligent trucking companies accountable. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of semi-truck accident claims and fight for the compensation you deserve.