When people are involved in a Virginia truck accident, they can be left with catastrophic injuries. If you are in this situation, you could file a personal injury claim to recover damages. Sometimes, this can be complex because there are multiple potentially liable parties.
Truck driver
The truck driver may be liable for various reasons. Driver error, driving under the influence, distracted driving and fatigue can all lead to a collision. Truckers can also cause an accident if they are ill while working. In some cases, the truck driver and the trucking company could both be held liable for damages.
Trucking company
The trucking company is generally responsible for the actions of its employees. It must also ensure that all truck drivers are properly trained to safely operate such huge vehicles. If a truck accident happens because the truck driver doesn’t have adequate training, the company is liable for any injuries and damages. Sometimes, the trucking company violates federal rules and regulations pertaining to working hours and breaks. As a result, if one of its drivers crashes because they’ve been working well past their shift, the company could be liable.
Cargo loader or manufacturer
Sometimes, truck accidents occur because the truck is overloaded with cargo that puts it over the federal weight limit of 80,000 pounds. This could cause a deadly truck rollover accident. In other situations, weight may not be the issue but the cargo is improperly loaded or secured. This can result in cargo becoming loose and its contents scattering all over the road, causing multiple accidents and devastation. The cargo loader or cargo manufacturer is liable in these scenarios.
A third party
If the truck is owned by a third party, that party can be held liable for the big rig accident. Commercial trucks must be properly inspected to ensure that they’re safe to travel. If anything is found to be defective, worn or lacking, the third-party truck owner may be held liable for an accident.
Trucking accidents are often life-changing, but holding the right party or parties accountable may offer some relief.