Assessing Liability In A Commercial Truck Accident

A wide variety of parties can be held liable in a commercial truck accident. But, in order for these parties to be held accountable, liability must first be assessed.

Going over the ways in which liability is assessed in a commercial truck accident and speaking with a California automobile accident attorney at Maire & Deedon will allow you to obtain the best possible legal outcome.

What Is Liability?

The definition of “liability” is a condition in which someone is legally responsible for a particular act or circumstance.

Just as an example, if a driver hits a pedestrian, then, in most cases, the driver would be held liable for this accident and the injuries/damages that resulted from it.

A commercial truck accident is a little different from a standard car accident. And the reason for this is as follows: a wide variety of parties can be held responsible – or, more specifically, liable – for the accident that has occurred and the results of that particular accident.

Going over the parties that can be held liable for a commercial truck accident makes it easier to obtain the best possible outcome regarding the commercial truck accident that has occurred.

Who Is Liable In A Commercial Truck Accident?

A wide variety of parties can be held liable for a commercial truck accident. And with that in mind, some of the most notable of these parties are as follows:

  • The driver who was operating the truck when the accident occurred.
  • The commercial truck company who hired the driver and is responsible for maintaining the truck.
  • The individuals who loaded the delivery cargo onto the truck.

Many other parties could potentially be held liable for a commercial truck accident. However, the above parties are most likely to be held liable due to their direct interaction with, and responsibility for, the truck and its operation.

What Factors Determine Liability In A Commercial Truck Accident?

Even though many different parties can be held liable in a commercial truck accident, it is very likely that only one or two parties will be held liable in such an accident.

The factors that determine liability in a commercial truck accident are as follows:

  • The exact facts of the truck accident that occur.
  • The ways in which the driver responsible for the truck operated their vehicle.
  • The status of the truck when the accident occurred.
  • The ways in which the cargo on the truck was loaded.
  • The activities of the injured individuals/property.

Many other factors can – and, depending on the facts of the accident, likely will be – considered. But, the factors outlined above are some of the most commonly considered, as they often reveal the causes of a truck accident.

Regarding the second factor, a commercial truck driver can be held liable for the truck accident, especially if that driver is unqualified. Then, they can be held liable, but so can the commercial truck company.

With regards to the third factor, if the truck was not well-maintained, then the company responsible for maintaining the truck can be held liable.

Regarding the fourth factor, if the cargo was loaded improperly, then that party can be held liable for the truck accident that occurred.

Speak With A Northern California Automobile Accident Attorney Today

If you were involved in a commercial truck accident in California, then you need legal help. Speak with a Northern California automobile accident attorney at Maire & Deedon today, and we will help you obtain the best possible legal outcome.