Identifying the at-fault party is essential when gathering evidence for a tractor-trailer accident. It shows who’s responsible for the crash and how to cover the costs for repairs, medical treatments, and loss of work. If you’re unsure of how and why a person can be held liable for a crash, consider the following. 

3 Potential Sources of Liability In a Truck Accident

1. Driver

Truckers can be held responsible when negligence is found to be the cause of the accident. The lawyer may find a video of the truck swerving out of control or obtain an eye-witness account that they were texting while driving.

Even cargo shifts that move the truck out of its lane can cause truckers to become liable. It’s their job to ensure the load is secure before heading out on the road and perform routine checks throughout the duration of the trip.

2. Company

Businesses can be held liable for an accident if they’re found to have a history of hiring truckers with poor driving records. Lawyers will look through the roster and pinpoint those who have multiple FMCSA rule infractions. They’ll also speak with other employees of the company to determine the frequency of their safety training.

If it’s found that the company is foregoing routine inspections and pushing their truckers too hard, then the court may cause them to pay for the damages.

3. Government

Roadway hazards, such as potholes or a soft shoulder, are the responsibility of the local government. Their job is to provide a safe thoroughfare for drivers by repairing issues quickly.  

The lawyer will investigate recent communications and construction plans to determine if government officials were aware of this section of the road. Those that are found to have known about the problem, but made no repairs, will be required to cover the costs.

If you or a loved one are in a tractor-trailer accident, reach out to Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Law in Roanoke, VA. These professionals have been protecting the rights of their clients since 1979 and are one of the largest personal injury law firms in Central and Southwest Virginia. They keep up-to-date on recent legislation and use the utmost attention to detail when investigating a case. Call (540) 342-2000 to set up a consultation or visit their website for a full list of qualifications.