Is a Truck Driver or the Company Liable for an Accident?

According to online reports, there has been an increase in truck accidents in the state. In Jackson, a city full of history with vibrant scenes and a relatively large population, the risk of traffic crashes is also high.

Truck accidents are more devastating because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Determining who is at fault can be a little complicated. Is it the truck driver who is behind the wheel or the company that has employed them? 

The answer can vary depending on the circumstances, which is why it is necessary to consult a highly-rated Jackson truck accident attorney if you are seeking compensation for injuries or damages. 

When Is the Truck Driver at Fault?

Truck drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely and following all applicable traffic laws. If a driver is found to be speeding, texting while driving, operating the vehicle under the influence, or otherwise being reckless, the driver may be held liable for the accident. 

Another common issue is driver fatigue. Truck drivers are required to take rest breaks under federal regulations, and ignoring these rules can lead to dangerous levels of exhaustion behind the wheel.

Sometimes, drivers may act outside their employment scope. For example, using the truck for personal errands or deviating from a scheduled route. In these cases, the liability may solely rest with the driver. 

When Is the Trucking Company Responsible?

In many cases, the trucking company can also be held liable. Under the legal concept of respondeat superior, employers are generally responsible for the actions of their employees, especially when those actions occur within the scope of their job duties. 

Companies might also be directly at fault if they engaged in negligent hiring. For example, hiring an unqualified driver or if they did not provide enough training. Some companies also pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, which encourages unsafe driving. 

Another scenario is when a company cuts corners on truck maintenance, allowing vehicles with worn brakes or bad tires to continue operating. If the company owns the truck and the driver was working at the time of the accident, there is a strong chance the company will bear some responsibility. 

When Both the Driver and Company Share Fault

Sometimes, fault is shared. For example, if a driver was speeding but the company failed to repair faulty brakes. In such situations, both parties can be held liable, and how much fault is assigned to each party depends on the specifics of the case and state laws regarding shared fault. 

In states that follow comparative negligence rules, each party is held responsible for their percentage of the blame. This can significantly impact how much compensation a victim receives. 

Other Parties Liable for Truck Accidents

Apart from trucking companies and drivers, contractors and manufacturers can be held liable. Because insurance companies are looking to reduce payouts as much as possible, all parties may be pointing fingers at each other. 

Conclusion

Liability in a truck accident does not always fall on one person or entity. It could be the truck driver, company, manufacturer, or contractor. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t try figuring it out alone. Hire a lawyer since the stakes are high.