Truck drivers can cause accidents when they engage in negligent or reckless driving behavior, such as distracted driving, speeding, and drowsy driving. Truck drivers must properly handle their responsibility to other drivers on the road to drive safely, as their large vehicles can cause catastrophic damage when they crash into smaller vehicles.
While a trucking company can be held liable for damages caused by an employee while completing a work task, a truck driver can also share liability if they cause an accident through negligent driving behavior. They breached the duty of care they owe other drivers on the road to drive safely and follow road rules, exposing other drivers and passengers to significant blunt-force trauma that can cause severe injuries. If you were in a truck accident caused by a truck driver’s negligence, you could file a truck accident claim with the truck driver’s insurance company to pursue compensation for damages.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents ordinarily occur because of one party’s negligence, which can encompass the truck driver, the driver of the other motor vehicle involved in the accident, or a truck part manufacturer. Truck and other motor vehicle drivers can cause severe truck accidents through reckless behavior behind the wheel, which can include drowsy driving, speeding, and drunk driving. Drivers can fail to pay attention or operate a vehicle without their full mental faculties, leading to mistakes that can cause them to lose control of their vehicle and crash into another vehicle.
A truck part manufacturer can cause a truck accident if they create a defective truck part. These parts, including brakes, tires, ball joints, and the steering column, must work correctly for the truck driver to maintain control of their vehicle. If they malfunction during a commute, the truck driver can lose control of the vehicle, possibly leading to a rollover truck accident. Truck accidents can also result from improper loading when a truck’s load is unbalanced and can cause a tip-over.
Can a Truck Driver Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Claim
Victims of truck accidents can experience serious truck accident injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, and spinal cord injuries, that can cause significant damages. Some types of truck accidents that can cause severe injuries include rollover accidents, jackknife truck accidents, and rear-end accidents. One of the parties that can be held liable for truck accident damages is the truck driver who caused the accident through recklessness.
Truck drivers operate potentially dangerous semi-trucks that can outweigh other vehicles on the road by thousands of pounds. They must pay attention and operate their vehicle safely to prevent losing control of their vehicle and crashing into a smaller car. Failing to do so can leave them liable for damages in a truck accident claim.
Truck Drivers Are Held Liable for Their Reckless Driving Behavior
A truck accident victim can file a truck accident claim with the truck driver involved in the accident if they exhibited reckless behavior that caused the accident. Simply being involved in an accident with a truck driver does not make them liable for damages. There must be tangible proof that the truck driver committed negligent driving behavior or broke road rules, causing the truck accident as a result.
For example, a truck driver who caused a rear-end accident because they were texting behind the wheel and missed a stop sign can be held liable for damages in a truck accident claim. However, if a car driver runs a red light and crashes into a truck driver legally passing through an intersection, the truck driver cannot be held liable for damages. Some evidence that can prove a truck driver’s liability includes photographic and video evidence, medical records, police reports, witness statements, and vehicle accident reconstruction.
Can a Truck Driver and Their Employer Both Be Held Liable?
In some cases, a trucking company can also be held liable for damages in a truck accident claim. Employers are vicariously liable for their employees, meaning they can share the blame for unlawful or reckless actions that lead to severe injuries.
If there is evidence that both the trucking company and the truck driver exhibited negligence, a truck accident victim can file a truck accident claim that holds them both accountable for economic and non-economic damages. After a truck accident, you should speak to a truck accident lawyer to determine if this could be a path for you to recover fair compensatory damages.
Should You Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck accident victims can suffer damages that affect their physical and mental health, financial standing, and quality of life. Some damages caused by a truck accident include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and loss of enjoyment of life. They can file truck accident claims to pursue compensation for damages. However, they may find the process difficult and complicated without significant experience handling truck accident claims in the past.
This is why hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer who can use their expertise to advise on what steps to take is vital. They will have handled truck accident claims in the past and can explain what steps they previously took to help victims recover fair compensatory damages. They can help you calculate the value of your claim, determine the at-fault party, collect evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Truck Accident Claim
The truck accident lawyers at The Russo Firm have decades of experience helping victims in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and many other states. We understand how the impact of a catastrophic truck accident can cause pain and suffering that dramatically alters your quality of life.
Our truck accident lawyers wish to offer their experience, expertise, and vast resources to help put you in a position to recover fair compensation for your truck accident damages. Contact us for a free truck accident consultation today at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
