Due to their size and speed, any collision involving a large commercial vehicle will likely result in serious injuries. Whether these are 18-wheelers, delivery vans or construction vehicles, it can be challenging to determine liability and hold the responsible party accountable for the wreck.
A personal injury claim centering on a truck collision is often complicated by the various layers of liability for the crash. The fault for a wreck can lie with many individuals or organizations, including:
- Driver: Even though organizations hold commercial truck drivers to a higher standard of professionalism than casual commuters, they can still make serious driving errors. Whether these mistakes come in the form of alcohol impairment, drug impairment, lack of sleep or driving distractions, it can result in devastating collisions.
- Trucking company: The company must ensure the drivers are properly trained and the trucks are properly maintained. Failure to ensure these elements are safe can lead to catastrophic crashes.
- Parts manufacturer: Even if the trucking company follows safety protocols in maintaining the vehicle, a defective part can lead to a collision. Tire blowouts, for example, or brake failure could directly lead to serious accidents.
- Loading company: Whether workers load the cargo from a warehouse or production facility, it is crucial that the trailer is properly balanced and secured. An improperly balanced load or shifting weight can impact control and cause a collision.
Any of these factors can lead to a serious commercial vehicle collision. Any crash involving these large vehicles can result in devastating property damage and catastrophic injuries. In extreme instances, the collision can mean the death of vehicle occupants.