Liability for causing a crash usually falls to individual drivers. However, the situation is different in cases involving commercial truck operators. Those driving in a professional capacity are subject to different rules on the road. They may also have a degree of protection from liability, especially if they are employees rather than owner-operators or independent contractors.
In some scenarios, a business is technically liable for a recent semi-truck collision. What situations allow people to bring lawsuits against a company after a commercial truck collision?
1. Unsafe hiring, training or employment practices
Businesses are generally liable for the conduct of their employees while they are on the clock. They must also take reasonable steps to limit misconduct and unsafe behavior that could expose the organization to liability or endanger others. When a company’s training practices, questionable hiring policies or high-pressure employment demands contribute to a crash, the business may be liable.
2. Improper loading practices
Both transportation companies and their clients may load trailers. Failing to adhere to best practices regarding weight distribution and securing the load may ultimately lead to a driver losing control of a commercial truck in traffic. Evidence of improper loading can make the business that loaded the trailer liable for the crash.
3. Improper maintenance or repairs
Transportation companies and owner-operators may outsource vehicle maintenance to third parties. If those parties fail to identify issues or improperly perform repairs and maintenance, they could be at least partially liable when issues with a semi-truck lead to a crash.
Reviewing what led to a semi-truck crash with a skilled legal team could help people more effectively assess liability and options for compensation. A lawsuit against a business may potentially lead to better compensation than a “simple” insurance claim against a driver.