Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident (and How to Prove It)?
Truck accidents are all too common, and all too commonly, they are exceptionally dangerous accidents. When it comes to these often-life-threatening accidents, there tends to be plenty of liability to go around. If you are injured in a truck accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney on your side.
The Truck Driver
Often, truck accidents are caused by truck driver negligence. Drowsy, distracted, impaired, speeding, or aggressive truck drivers are often the cause of serious truck accidents. Generally, a truck driver’s negligence must be proven by evidence at the scene of the accident, which can include things like:
- Skid marks left by the truck, which can be indicative of speeding and/or distraction ● The police report, which may indicate intoxication and/or exhaustion (later blood results can also attest to impairment)
- Eyewitness testimony that describes the events leading up to the accident ● The truck driver’s cell phone records (to help prove smartphone distraction)
Careful examination of the accident scene can provide significant evidence related to the trucker’s liability in the matter.
The Trucking Company
The truck company can also be fully or partially responsible for serious commercial truck accidents. When trucking companies fail to hire experienced, safe truck drivers, fail to implement adequate safety and maintenance checks, and/or fail to maintain their fleet of rigs in safe working order, they can be held responsible for any ensuing truck accidents. Proving their liability tends to require investigation into the trucking company, which often includes combing through their records and documents for tell-tale clues regarding their negligence.
The Loading Crew
Commercial semis are massive vehicles with high centers of gravity that carry immensely heavy loads. In order to move safely over our roadways, these behemoths must be loaded carefully and in accordance with the laws of safe weight distribution. When a truck’s loading crew is sloppy, is in a rush, or is inattentive in its work, it increases the risk that deadly accidents like truck rollovers will happen.
When the weight inside a semi’s trailer begins shifting dangerously (which is often caused by poor loading practices), it can curtail the trucker’s control over the vehicle and can lead to a life-threatening accident. Proving the loading crew’s negligence typically requires an investigation by and the testimony of an expert witness in the application of the laws of physics as they relate to loading practices.
You Need a Skilled Tampa Truck Accident Attorney on Your Side
Truck accidents rank among the most dangerous accidents on our roadways, and if someone else’s negligence causes you to be so injured, the trusted Tampa truck accident lawyers at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos can help. Our dedicated legal team is committed to skillfully advocating in defense of your legal rights and in support of your rightful compensation. We care about you and your case, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 813-223-6405 for more information today.