Who Can Be Held Liable for Damages in a Truck Accident Claim in Athens?

Truck accident liability usually involves large commercial trucks like big rigs, tractor-trailers, and semi-trucks. Such accidents can lead to injuries, significant property damage, and fatalities.

This piece covers the major causes of truck accidents, parties that can be held liable in a truck accident claim, and more.

What are the Major Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can be caused by various factors, including the driver’s negligence. Here’s a detailed guide to the main causes of truck accidents.

Speeding

Excessive speed is a leading cause of road accidents, not truck accidents alone. Speeding can hinder a driver’s ability to slow down when necessary, making it difficult to avoid a collision.

Driving Under the Influence

Operating trucks under the influence of alcohol can lead to accidents. Drunkenness impairs one’s decision-making ability, leading to collisions, because decision-making is super necessary when operating a vehicle.

Distracted Driving

Drivers should be free from any distractions while on the road. Activities like eating and using the phone when driving pose a danger to drivers and other road users.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often have to deal with long driving hours, tight delivery schedules, and little rest. All these lead to fatigue and drowsy driving, which makes it hard for the driver to react fast and make sound decisions.

Overloaded and Poorly Loaded Cargo

Overloaded trucks and trucks carrying improperly loaded cargo are at risk of accidents. If the cargo keeps shifting while the truck moves, it can cause rollovers, spilled loads, and loss of control.

Inadequate Training

Because of their nature, trucks can be challenging to handle, so drivers must undergo proper training before starting to operate one. Inexperienced drivers also find themselves unable to handle various road conditions and emergencies when they occur.

Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, and fog make driving trucks more hazardous. Slippery roads and reduced visibility increase the chances of an accident occurring.

Violating Traffic Laws

Failing to yield the right of way, ignoring stop signs, and running red lights are some violations that can cause truck accidents. Drivers must keenly observe traffic rules to avoid unnecessary problems on the road.

Road Conditions

Poorly maintained roads and debris on the roadway also contribute to truck accidents.

Mechanical Failures

A defective truck with poorly maintained components like tires, brakes, and steering system is most likely to cause an accident. Truck owners should take their vehicles for regular maintenance and inspection to prevent mechanical issues.

Everyone, from the driver to other road users, is responsible for preventing road accidents. Truck drivers should seek the proper training, adhere to road regulations, and keep their vehicles in good condition, while other motorists should observe responsible driving practices.

Parties that Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Claim

Liability in a truck accident can fall on multiple parties depending on the circumstances of the incident. The following parties can be held liable when a truck accident occurs.

Truck Driver

If the driver’s negligence and reckless behavior led to an accident, they can be held liable. Some main driver-related factors include driving under the influence, speeding, and failure to observe traffic laws.

Truck Manufacturer

If the accident was caused by a truck defect originating from the manufacturing process, the manufacturer may take responsibility. The maintenance provider can also be held liable if there was a mechanical failure due to an error on their end.

Trucking Company

Trucking companies may also have to share responsibility for their driver’s mistakes. The companies can be held liable for training, hiring, maintenance, and supervision issues.

Cargo Loaders

When an accident is caused by overloading or improperly loaded cargo, cargo loaders can be held liable.

Government Entities

Government agencies responsible for road design and maintenance may also have to share liability. This is the case if the accident resulted from inadequate road signs, unsafe road conditions, etc.

Third Parties

Sometimes, other drivers on the road other than the truck driver can lead to accidents because of their irresponsible behavior. In such situations, the at-fault driver is held liable.

How is Truck Accident Liability Determined?

Determining truck accident liability requires proper investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident. A few factors involved in determining liability include:

Evidence Preservation

Preserving all the evidence is vital as soon as an accident occurs. Activities involved include securing the scene, taking photographs, and collecting other physical evidence like damage to the vehicle.

Driver Statements

The truck driver, other drivers involved, and witnesses must record statements, which are crucial in understanding the events leading up to the accident. The statements can be used to determine things like road conditions and driver behavior.

Electronic Data Records

Commercial trucks are usually equipped with electronic data recorders, and these devices capture data related to the vehicle’s braking, speeding, and other performance metrics. This data can also be crucial when trying to determine the liable parties.

Contact Rafi Law Firm to Speak with a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer Near You!

Various parties, including the driver, truck manufacturer, and government agencies, can be held responsible if a truck accident occurs. Truck accidents can be fatal as trucks are enormous and powerful. Victims should seek fair compensation for any damage, and if you find yourself wanting to get just that, we’re ready to help. Contact Rafi Law Firm today for more information.