With large delivery trucks maneuvering on crowded city streets and fully loaded 18-wheelers rumbling down highways, commercial vehicle crashes might happen at any time. How do personal injury attorneys determine who is at fault when seeking compensation for their clients?  When determining liability for commercial vehicle accidents, lawyers consider the following factors.

How Personal Injury Attorneys Assess Legal Responsibility for Commercial Vehicle Collisions

When Drivers Are Liable

When a commercial truck driver’s negligence causes an accident, the driver can be held liable. Truck owners involved in accidents while driving their rigs may have direct legal responsibility for all injuries and damages that occur. Driver negligence includes DUI, driving while drowsy or too fast for conditions, and violating federal vehicle operating regulations.   

When Companies Are Liable

Companies can employ commercial truckers or enter into independent contracts with drivers. When a negligent driver is employed by a business that owns trucks, the company may be legally responsible for injuries their driver causes. This legal principle, “respondeat superior,” holds employers liable for their employees’ negligence.

Personal injury attorneys know negligent truck drivers who are independent contractors could be liable directly. Alternatively, the companies holding their contracts might be held responsible. Liability depends on factors such as contract wording and the level of control companies exert over their drivers.

When Manufacturers Are Liable

If a truck manufacturer’s defective part causes a mechanical failure resulting in an accident, the truck’s manufacturer might be legally responsible for the injuries. Dedicated personal injury lawyers look for every opportunity to recover full damages from all sources. 

Personal injury attorneys at Lane, Felix & Raisbeck CO, LPA in Cincinnati, OH, offer over 30 years of experience in achieving favorable settlements and winning trials for clients injured in commercial vehicle accidents. These dedicated lawyers examine each case in detail to cover every potential for liability. If you suffer injuries or lose a loved one to wrongful death in a truck accident, contact a compassionate attorney. Call (513) 922-7700 to arrange a free consultation or visit their website now for more information about the firm.