Who Else May Be Liable After a Truck Accident?

When a serious truck accident causes catastrophic injuries or the loss of a loved one, many families assume the trucking company’s insurance will cover their losses. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

In some 18-wheeler accident cases, the trucking company’s insurance coverage may not be enough to fully compensate victims for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. When that happens, it is important to determine whether other parties may share responsibility for the crash.

A thorough truck accident investigation can help identify additional sources of compensation and accountability.

Looking Beyond the Truck Driver

While some truck accidents are caused by driver error, other cases involve companies that played a role in putting the truck on the road or decisions that made the crash more severe.

A lawsuit resulting from a truck accident could include claims against parties other than the driver and the trucking company, such as freight brokers, the vehicle manufacturers, or the companies that are responsible for truck safety systems.

Can a Freight Broker Be Responsible for a Truck Accident?

Many trucking companies are hired through freight brokers, which connect shippers with motor carriers.

In some cases, a broker may be liable for selecting a carrier with a poor safety record, a history of violations, or unqualified drivers. When a broker fails to use reasonable care in choosing a trucking company, injured victims may have grounds to pursue a freight broker liability claim.

Identifying broker liability can be an important step when insurance coverage is limited.

Could Vehicle Technology Have Prevented the Crash?

Another important area of investigation is the truck itself.

Many commercial trucks can be equipped with safety technology designed to prevent crashes or reduce the severity of an impact, including:

• Automatic emergency braking systems
• Forward collision warning systems
• Collision avoidance technology
• Other advanced driver-assistance systems

If a truck does not have any available safety features which could have prevented the collision or have reduced the injuries, lawyers might look into whether there is a product liability claim.

The claims may relate to the vehicle’s design, the safety equipment, or other defects which contributed to the crash or had the effect of making the injuries more serious.

Why a Thorough Truck Accident Investigation Matters

Serious truck accident cases often require a much deeper investigation than a typical car wreck.

At Beasley Allen, the trucking litigation team does not stop at the truck driver when trying to identify all possible parties who could be responsible. When medical bills, lost income, and other losses exceed the trucking company’s insurance limits, identifying every party can make a meaningful difference for victims and their families.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, Beasley Allen has the experience, resources, and national trucking litigation team to investigate every claim and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.