Who Can Be Held Liable for California Large Truck Accidents?
Collisions with tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, box trucks, and other large commercial trucks is can be understandably terrifying. The size difference between these vehicles and regular passenger vehicles poses a high risk for catastrophic injuries or death. While the truck driver is usually looked to as the at-fault party causing the crash, in reality, many parties can be held liable for major truck accidents.
Parties with Potential Truck Accident Liability
Truck Drivers
As in regular car accidents, truck divers could have behaved negligently behind the wheel and caused the crash while:
- Speeding
- Texting while driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Reckless driving
- Drowsy driving in violation of federal hour limits set for truck drivers on a single shift
Trucking Companies
Depending on how the accident occurred, the trucking company employing the driver may be liable. If the company failed to properly inspect its equipment before sending the driver on their route or put unreasonable, dangerous demands on the driver involved, their practices may have contributed to the collision. An attorney can investigate to determine if their conduct was inappropriate.
Truck Owners
Trucks may be owned by the driver, trucking company, or a third-party owner. Whoever owns the truck may be liable if they failed to fulfill the responsibilities of truck ownership before the truck began its route. Government regulations require owners to:
- Inspect their truck and its onboard systems regularly
- Maintain the vehicle properly
Failure to do so may incur liability if it’s determined the crash resulted from a failure that should have been caught by proper inspection or prevented through appropriate maintenance.
Manufacturers
A vehicle or parts manufacturer may be liable if the crash resulted from a defect in their product. Manufacturers have a legal duty not to produce, market, or design defective products.
Government Agencies
The government is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining safe roads that are free from hazards. If an accident is caused from the government’s failure to do so, they may be liable for injuries that result from a truck accident. Because there is a specific process involved in suing the government, it’s wise to consult an experienced attorney to ensure proper procedure is followed.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Near You Today
Recovering from a traumatic truck accident can be a long, costly process. To ensure you protect your legal rights, look after your health properly, and take the right steps to preserve important evidence, contact the skilled California Truck Accident Attorneys at Daneshrad Law today. Attorney Alan Daneshrad has spent years providing comprehensive, aggressive representation for victims and has won millions in compensation on their behalf for injuries. Call us 24/7 at (888) 881-3529 to schedule a free initial case consultation. Let us review your case today and show you why we are the team you want in your corner no matter where you’re fighting for justice in California.
