Accidents involving two or more passenger vehicles are often fairly straightforward. In many cases, one party is fully at fault, but in some cases, two or more parties may share the responsibility. Evidence at the crash scene, as well as statements from witnesses and the drivers themselves, are often sufficient to determine fault and to begin building compensation claims for victims.
But truck accidents can be a different story. That’s because big trucks aren’t the responsibility of just the people driving them. Semi trucks are used to transport goods all across the country—and that means they’re big business with multiple hands involved. Several parties may share responsibility for a single truck, and when a truck is involved in an accident, it can be challenging to determine who was at fault.
5 Parties That May Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident
Five parties that can be considered liable for truck accidents include:
- Truck drivers—When truck drivers don’t follow traffic laws or when they violate industry standards, they can cause serious accidents and be held liable for the damage that ensues.
- Truck owners—The people who own trucks are responsible for keeping them maintained and safe to drive in a variety of weather conditions and at various times of day.
- Truck companies—Companies that use big trucks to transport their goods must abide by industry regulations concerning weight limits and loading procedures to avoid creating hazardous conditions.
- Other drivers—Motorists who drive near big trucks can cause crashes by engaging in reckless behavior that causes collisions or truck drivers to lose control of their rigs.
- Governmental bodies—Unless otherwise noted, roads are supposed to be safe for trucks that meet height, length, and weight limits. But sometimes, roads aren’t properly built or maintained for big trucks.
If you were hurt in a truck accident, it’s important to have an experienced Las Vegas truck accident lawyer on your side. Call Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm today for a free consultation.