Determining Liability in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are typically far more complex than other types of motor vehicle crashes. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks makes these collisions especially devastating, often leading to catastrophic injuries and significant property damage. Adding to the complexity, liability is not always limited to the truck driver. Several different parties—including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, truck manufacturer, or even third parties—may share responsibility. Hiring a top-rated truck accident attorney in Tacoma is essential to identifying all liable parties and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Truck Driver

The truck driver is typically the first party investigated when determining fault after a crash. All drivers are expected to follow both federal and state trucking regulations, in addition to general traffic laws. Failure to follow these laws and regulations, or engaging in negligent behavior, greatly increases the chances of a catastrophic truck accident occurring. Some common examples of truck driver negligence include:

• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Fatigued driving
• Failure to yield

If a truck driver’s negligent actions directly caused the accident, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries and losses. 

Trucking Company

Another potentially liable party in a truck crash is the trucking company. Employers have a duty to ensure their operations prioritize safety, including properly vetting and training their drivers, maintaining their vehicles, and ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations. Common examples of trucking company negligence include:

• Negligent hiring or insufficient training
• Unrealistic schedules or deadlines
• Lack of regulatory compliance
• Improper vehicle maintenance or inspection

When a trucking company’s negligence contributes to an accident, they can be held legally responsible for any resulting damages.

Cargo Loaders

Properly loading cargo is a critical step in preventing truck accidents. Cargo loaders must ensure that freight is balanced and secured to prevent it from shifting or spilling during transit. Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can cause tip-overs, jackknifes, or loss of control, and may place undue stress on the vehicle’s braking system. If improper loading is found to have played a role in the accident, the cargo loaders, or even the company that oversees them, may share liability.

Truck Manufacturer

Not all truck accidents stem from human error or negligence. Sometimes, the truck itself may contain a dangerous defect, such as faulty brakes, steering malfunctions, or defective tires, that can increase the chances of a serious collision occurring. In such cases, the manufacturer, or sometimes a distributor or maintenance provider, may be held responsible for the accident under product liability laws. Proving manufacturer liability often requires a detailed investigation and expert analysis.

Third Parties

In some cases, other third parties may share liability for a truck crash. For example, if a government agency knew of hazardous road conditions but failed to repair or warn drivers, they could be held partially responsible for a resulting crash. Identifying all potentially liable parties is essential to ensuring accident victims receive fair compensation for any resulting damages.