When Can a Trucking Company Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can cause serious injuries and property damage due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Victims often face expensive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. When a truck accident happens, determining liability is crucial in seeking compensation.

San Antonio, Texas, is a transportation hub with major highways like I-10 and I-35 running through it. The high volume of commercial trucks on these roads increases the risk of accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, a San Antonio truck accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation.

Understanding Truck Accident Liability

Determining who is responsible for a truck accident can be complex because multiple parties may be involved. The truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or even the truck manufacturer could be held accountable.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), large trucks were involved in 5,837 fatal crashes in 2022. Additionally, over 117,000 trucks were involved in crashes that caused injuries. These statistics highlight the dangers posed by negligent trucking practices and the need for strict safety regulations.

When Are Trucking Companies Liable for an Accident?

Trucking companies have a legal responsibility to ensure their vehicles are safe, their drivers are qualified, and federal safety regulations are followed. Here are some reasons a trucking company may be held liable in an accident:

Disregarding Safety Measures

Trucking companies must enforce strict safety policies to prevent accidents. If they ignore safety measures by allowing unqualified drivers to operate trucks, failing to conduct regular inspections, or encouraging reckless driving, they can be held responsible.

Negligent Vehicle Maintenance

Trucks require frequent inspections and maintenance to stay roadworthy. Common maintenance failures that lead to accidents include:

• Worn-out brakes
• Faulty tires
• Broken headlights or taillights
• Steering system malfunctions

If an accident occurs due to a truck’s poor condition, the trucking company may be held accountable for failing to maintain the vehicle.

Negligent Hiring and Training

Trucking companies must hire drivers with proper licenses and safe driving records. If they fail to conduct background checks or hire drivers without proper training, they can be held responsible for any accidents caused by those drivers.

For example, if a company hires a driver with a history of reckless driving or DUI charges and that driver causes an accident, the company can be sued for negligence.

Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers must follow FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which limit driving hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents. However, some companies pressure drivers to work beyond these limits to meet tight delivery schedules.

Driver fatigue can be as dangerous as drunk driving and significantly increases the risk of accidents. If a company forces its drivers to exceed legal driving hours and an accident occurs, it may be held liable for violating federal safety laws.

Improper Loading and Securing of Cargo

Cargo must be loaded and secured properly to prevent accidents. Overloaded or unbalanced trucks can cause:

• Rollovers
• Brake failure
• Cargo spills, creating road hazards

If a trucking company fails to ensure cargo is loaded safely and an accident happens, it may be held responsible.

Bottom Line

Trucking companies have a duty to keep their trucks and drivers safe. When they fail to follow safety regulations, hire unqualified drivers, or push employees to break the law, they put everyone on the road at risk.

If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident, proving the trucking company’s liability is essential for obtaining compensation. A truck accident lawyer can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.