Who is to blame? Potential defendants in a truck case

In a truck accident case, who can be held responsible?

If you were hurt in an accident that involved a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, dump truck, big rig, garbage truck, or another large commercial vehicle, you may be wondering whether you can file a lawsuit and who you should sue.

To determine exactly which parties are appropriate to name as defendants in your case, you should consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer about the specific details of your accident and injuries. A lawyer will examine the facts of your case and identify all possible sources of recovery – including some you might not be aware of.

The following are common defendants for claims involving catastrophic truck accidents:

• Truck Drivers – If a truck driver was at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, that driver will almost always be named as a defendant. They are often individually responsible for causing collisions, especially when drivers were abusing alcohol or drugs, distracted, or fatigued. Truckers may be employed as independent contractors or trucking company employees.

• Truck Manufacturer – When a defect in the truck, trailer, or any system caused the accidents, it is appropriate to sue the company that manufactured, assembled, or otherwise made the defective part.

• Trucking Companies – Trucking companies are required to comply with a litany of state and federal laws and regulations that are designed to keep all drivers and pedestrians safe. Accident victims can sue a trucking company that directly employs the truck driver involved in the collision or a trucking company that violates a safety requirement.

• The Owner of the Commercial Truck – The owner of a commercial delivery truck is usually liable for damage and injuries after an accident. Trucks are usually owned by a trucking company, private delivery service such as FedEx, construction company, or a waste management company. Sometimes different companies own the commercial truck's cab and trailer.

• A Parent Company – Depending on the corporate structure of the truck driver's employer, truck manufacturer, trucking company, or commercial truck owner, it may be possible to sue the parent company.

• The Driver and Owner of Other Vehicles Involved in the Crash – Truck accidents often involve more than just the commercial truck and another vehicle. If the accident you suffered implicated more than just your car and a semi-truck, you may be able to sue the owners or drivers of the other vehicles involved under their car insurance policies.

• Third Party Maintenance Companies – Many trucking companies depend on third party maintenance companies to inspect and service their trucks. If an inspection or maintenance issue contributed to your collision, you may be able to sue the company responsible for that service.

For more than 60 years, our Truck Accident Team at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has worked tirelessly on behalf of truck accident victims. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident involving a commercial tractor-trailer, contact us today for a free consultation to see if we can win big for you.