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Who is at fault after a commercial crash? The answer is far more complex than it is for a typical car wreck. Multiple parties may share liability, even those not at the scene of the accident. If you were in a commercial accident and you’re wondering how fault affects your claim, speak to a Houston truck crash lawyer about your case!
A Houston Truck Crash Lawyer Breaks Down Fault
After an 18-wheeler accident, determining fault is much more complicated than it would be for a typical accidente de tráfico. Sometimes, the accident is merely due to the driver’s negligence. But blame often extends to employers, vehicle owners, or even manufacturers. A Houston truck crash lawyer will dissect these elements to clarify fault in your case.
Common Liable Parties
Depending on the cause of the crash, several parties may share liability.
Truck Driver
The most direct cause of an accident is usually the truck driver. They’re responsible for unsafe actions like tailgating, improper lane changes, and speeding. The driver is also culpable for driving while distracted, under the influence, or without a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Trucking Company
Employers face vicarious liability for employees’ negligence during working hours. They’re also at fault for negligent hiring, like if the employee lacks a valid CDL. If the employer failed to properly screen the driver’s record, they could be liable for putting an unsafe driver on the road in a commercial vehicle.
The trucking company is also liable if it pressured an employee to work unsafe hours. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly limits the amount of time a driver can be on the road to 11 hours a day. If a fatigued driver crashes their truck because they’re overworked based on federal limits, fault goes to the trucking company.
Vehicle Owner
Whether a company owns or leases the truck, the owner shares liability for neglected maintenance. Federal rules mandate annual inspections, 90-day checks, and daily driver inspection reports. It’s worth noting that the trucking company remains at least partly responsible for vehicles it doesn’t own.
Other Parties That May Be at Fault
Depending on the nature of the crash, other parties could be to blame. Manufacturers share responsibility for truck defects under product liability. They’re also culpable if they fail to place warning labels for blind spots.
The maintenance and repair company may be at fault for shoddy repairs that contributed to the accident or for missing critical details in post-repair checks.
Other parties that may face liability include the cargo loader, the manufacturer of individual car parts, and even the local government that paved the road, if any of their actions played into the crash.
How a Houston Truck Crash Lawyer Turns Fault Into Payout
How does fault affect your actual case? A Houston truck crash lawyer will break this down based on your accident, determining causal factors to max out your award after a serious collision. By finding every liable party, they ensure you recover what you deserve after a serious 18-wheeler wreck.
In Texas, plaintiffs may sue companies, drivers, and other relevant parties jointly when their negligence contributed to the crash.
Under the state’s modified comparative fault system, parties will pay you based on the percentage of fault they carry. An experienced attorney understands that FMCSA violations often shift more blame onto commercial defendants.
Truck crash lawyers also know that commercial wrecks often result in larger compensation. This is because insurers have deeper pockets. They’ll fight to get the payout you deserve after a serious commercial collision leaves you hurting.
Ryan Nguyen is your truck crash lawyer, ready to unpack the true causes of your accident to secure a just settlement. He wants to navigate complex state laws and fight to maximize your payout, leaving no stone unturned.
Call Today for a Free Consultation With a Houston Truck Crash Lawyer
Who is at fault after a commercial accident? The answer isn’t straightforward. Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the nature of the accident. The truck driver likely bears some blame for the crash, but the truck company may also be vicariously liable. Moreover, even cargo loaders, manufacturers, and maintenance companies could be liable. When you call a Houston truck crash lawyer right away, they will navigate federal law, pinpoint fault, and ultimately, maximize your payout.
Ryan Nguyen is your go-to truck crash lawyer. His nickname is The Falcon because he stops at nothing to capture his target. He’s ready to go after all liable parties to boost your compensation. You pay nothing unless we win. Schedule your free consultation hoy.
