A collision with a commercial vehicle is never just a "fender bender." Because of the massive weight and size of these vehicles, the impact is often life-altering for those in smaller passenger cars. Beyond the physical and emotional recovery, victims are often met with a complicated legal web when they try to seek justice.

In a standard car accident, fault usually lies with one of the drivers. However, truck accident liability is far more complex. Multiple parties—from the person behind the wheel to the company that loaded the trailer—can share the blame. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our truck accident lawyers understand that identifying every responsible party is the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.

The Legal Complexity of Commercial Truck Accident Liability

Trucking accidents are governed by a combination of state traffic laws and strict federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover everything from how many hours a driver can work to how often a truck must be inspected.

When an accident occurs, a thorough investigation often reveals that more than one entity contributed to the crash. There are key differences between commercial truck crashes and car accidents that make these cases much more aggressive to litigate.

Who Can Be Held Accountable in an 18-Wheeler Accident?

Determining who is responsible for your injuries requires looking past the immediate scene of the crash. Here are the parties most commonly held liable in a semi-truck accident claim.

1. Negligence by the Commercial Truck Driver

The driver is the most immediate person responsible for the safe operation of the rig. Negligence on the part of the driver is a primary cause of many collisions. Common examples of driver negligence include:

• Driver Fatigue: Despite federal "Hours of Service" regulations, many drivers push past their limits to meet tight deadlines. You can learn more about truck driver fatigue and liability to see how these logs are used as evidence.
• Distracted Driving: Using a mobile phone, adjusting a GPS, or eating while operating a 80,000-pound vehicle can have fatal consequences.
• Impairment: This includes the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medications that cause drowsiness.
• Aggressive Driving: Speeding and following too closely are particularly dangerous according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as trucks require significantly longer distances to stop.

2. Liability of the Trucking Company or Carrier

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer is generally responsible for the actions of their employees while they are on the clock. However, a trucking company can also be held directly liable for its own negligent business practices, such as:

• Negligent Hiring: Hiring drivers with a history of reckless driving, DUIs, or lack of proper commercial licensing.
• Inadequate Training: Failing to ensure a driver is fully capable of handling a specific type of vehicle or cargo.
• Encouraging Law-Breaking: Pressuring drivers to ignore rest periods or falsify logbooks to speed up deliveries.
• Failure to Inspect: Trucking companies have a duty to perform regular maintenance. Just as with passenger vehicles, many accidents could have been prevented if basic maintenance protocols weren't skipped to save time or money.

3. Fault of Third-Party Cargo Loading & Shipping Companies

The way a trailer is loaded significantly impacts the truck's stability. If a third-party company was responsible for loading the freight, they may be liable if the accident was caused by:

• Overloading: Exceeding weight limits makes the truck harder to stop and more prone to tire blowouts.
• Unbalanced Loads: If cargo shifts during a turn because it wasn't secured correctly, it can lead to a devastating rollover or jackknife accident.
• Falling Debris: Improperly secured items that fall onto the highway can cause chain-reaction crashes for other motorists.

4. Defective Parts and Manufacturer Product Liability

Sometimes, an accident happens despite the driver and the company doing everything right. If a mechanical failure occurs, the manufacturer of the truck or a specific component (like brakes or tires) may be held accountable under product liability law. Common defects include:

• Defective braking systems
• Tire blowouts caused by manufacturing flaws
• Faulty steering components
• Defective trailer hitches or coupling devices

5. Maintenance and Repair Shops

Many trucking companies outsource their fleet maintenance to third-party mechanics. If a repair shop fails to identify a safety issue or performs a "shoddy" repair that later leads to a mechanical failure on the road, that shop can be named in a personal injury lawsuit.

Why Pursuing Multiple Responsible Parties Increases Your Claim Value

In many truck accident cases, the damages are significant. Medical bills for traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures can quickly exceed the insurance policy limits of a single driver.

By identifying every liable party—such as the manufacturer, the broker, and the trucking company—your legal team can access multiple insurance policies. This increases the likelihood that you will receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Important Evidence Needed to Prove Fault in a Trucking Collision

Proving who is at fault in a semi-truck accident requires a level of evidence that goes far beyond a police report. Our team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, digs deep into the data that trucking companies often try to hide, including:

• The "Black Box" (Electronic Logging Device): This records the truck's speed, braking patterns, and hours of operation.
• Maintenance Logs: These show whether the vehicle was receiving required safety checks.
• Personnel Files: These reveal the driver's history and whether the company followed proper hiring protocols.
• Toxicology Reports: Essential if there is a suspicion of drug or alcohol use.
• Accident Reconstruction: We work with experts to recreate the scene and determine exactly how the physics of the crash played out.

How Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, Can Help

When you are up against a massive trucking corporation and their high-powered insurance lawyers, you shouldn't have to fight alone. These companies often send investigators to the scene of a crash within hours to begin building a defense. You need a team that acts just as quickly to protect your rights.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we take a compassionate but aggressive approach to truck accident claims. We focus on the legal complexities so you can focus on your physical recovery. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay us anything unless we win your case.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

The aftermath of a semi-truck accident is overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it without guidance. Understanding liability is the first step toward holding the right people accountable and securing your future.

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your case, identify the liable parties, and help you understand your options for moving forward.