Accident claims involving commercial trucks are typically far more complicated to navigate than those related to passenger vehicles. One of the main reasons for this is because it’s not always immediately evident who is liable. Often, multiple parties can be at fault in a big rig collision, making it difficult to figure out where compensation for the victim’s injuries should come from. As such, it’s best to consult with a truck accident attorney to ensure maximum recovery can be pursued. Here are the parties most commonly held accountable in these types of cases.

Who Is at Fault for a Truck Accident? 

1. Trucking Company 

It is a trucking company’s responsibility to hire qualified drivers and ensure their vehicles are properly maintained. If one of their drivers causes a collision, they may be found financially responsible for the resulting injuries. Truck accident attorneys will look into the driver’s record to see if they had any violations at the time they were hired or received proper training. They will also check into whether or not the vehicle’s inspection and maintenance records are up to date with current legal requirements.  

2. Truck Driver

Driver error is one of the leading causes of commercial truck accidents. This can include driving while fatigued, distracted, or impaired and disobeying traffic laws. Drivers are also required to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Hours of Service regulations, which limits the number of hours a commercial vehicle can be operated in a single shift. Legal counsel will review the driver’s logbook hours, examine the vehicle’s black box data, and obtain results from drug and alcohol testing to ascertain if they were engaged in negligent behavior and should be named in a personal injury claim.

3. Parts Manufacturer 

Companies that manufacture commercial truck parts have a duty to make sure their products are safe for public use. However, it’s still possible for big rig collisions to occur due to faulty or poorly designed parts. This can lead to serious issues, such as brake failure, broken lights, tire blowouts, defective steering, or transmission failure. A truck accident attorney will discover if the failed part was defective from the beginning, warranting a product liability claim. 

If you have been injured in a collision with a big rig, you will need an experienced truck accident attorney to help identify all of the responsible parties. The legal team at Egan & Richgels, S.C. in La Crosse, WI, is prepared to perform a thorough investigation of the crash to determine who was at fault. They have practiced personal injury law throughout western Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota for more than 40 years and understand what it takes to build a case that successfully proves liability. Call (608) 784-0087 to discuss your legal options, or visit their website for more information on how they will work to get you the full compensation you’re entitled to.