Unfortunately, truck accidents are prevalent in Sugar Land. These incidents frequently involve large commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, delivery trucks, cement mixers, logging trucks, milk trucks, and other automobiles. Due to their size and weight, truck accidents often lead to severe injuries, some of which may be permanent. According to the National Safety Council, the number of injuries related to truck accidents has been steadily increasing. A recent study indicates that the recorded injuries in 2021 rose by 5% to 155,000.
In the most severe cases, semi-truck accidents can be fatal. Whether it involves striking a pedestrian or colliding with smaller vehicles, the aftermath can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, it is crucial to have an attorney who can navigate the complexities of liability in a Sugar Land truck accident. Your first step should be consulting a seasoned attorney about your rights and legal options especially when the accident is someone else’s fault. Our skilled truck accident lawyer is here to help you pursue fair compensation.
Who is Liable in a Sugar Land Truck Accident?
Truck accidents are handled differently compared to typical car wrecks. Crashes involving tractor-trailers are complex due to the laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry.
Depending on the specific circumstances and factors surrounding your case, our local attorneys can assist you in seeking compensation from multiple parties. This compensation is crucial in alleviating the financial and emotional burdens you may be facing. Some of the potentially liable parties include:
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The Truck Driver
The truck driver is typically held responsible for rear-end accidents when they collide with the back of another car. Depending on other factors, the driver may have violated traffic regulations, either intentionally or accidentally, leading to the accident. Many trucking accidents are caused by the following actions, whether deliberate or not:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Fatigue from driving long hours without rest
- Violating traffic rules
- Operating a knowingly faulty truck
You can file a claim solely against the truck driver, but it is important to note that the trucking company often carries a larger insurance policy to cover more severe or permanent injuries.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are often large corporate entities that employ drivers to operate their commercial vehicles. Holding the company accountable for the accident can be a challenging task without the assistance of an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer. The trucking company may be held liable based on the following factors:
- Overworking the driver
- Failing to hire competent drivers
- Neglecting to maintain the truck’s safety standards
- Retaining drivers known to be dangerous
A seasoned truck collision attorney can help uncover such details by speaking with specific witnesses.
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The Truck Owner
Not all trucking companies own the vehicles they use. They may be operating trucks on behalf of the owner. During the leasing agreement, both parties may share certain responsibilities, such as mechanical maintenance of the 18-wheeler. In some cases, the truck owner can be held responsible for inadequate vehicle maintenance. Any failure that leads to a truck accident, such as brake failure, can directly make them liable for the collision.
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The Cargo Loaders
Trucks are renowned for their immense and perilous tasks. For instance, some tractor-trailers on state highways today transport hazardous materials or heavy general-purpose goods, such as construction equipment. In other cases, they may carry heavy machinery or other vehicles.
Proper handling is crucial to ensure the secure transportation of goods without any items falling off. This responsibility falls on the cargo loaders. If their incompetence or negligence leads to damage or injury, they can be held accountable for the truck accident.
The Truck Manufacturer
Not all truck accidents result from negligence on the part of the driver, owner, or trucking company. The manufacturer of the semi-truck and its components also plays a critical role in disregarding safety regulations.
This can occur through the deliberate or accidental manufacturing of defective vehicle parts. For example, compromised tire quality may result in a tire blowout. In such situations, the truck manufacturer may be held liable for the resulting damages.
Hiring a Sugar Land Truck Accident Attorney
Determining liability in a Sugar Land truck accident is a complex undertaking. This complexity can be further compounded if you are exposed to any level of liability in the accident. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney to safeguard your rights. Contact our office today to speak with one of our attorneys regarding your concerns about liability in your commercial vehicle accident.
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