Every car crash has the potential to cause devastating consequences, but some types of wrecks are innately worse than others. Collisions that occur at high speeds are often particularly severe. So are wrecks that involve two vehicles of substantially different sizes.
Semi-trucks share the road with passenger vehicles even though they are substantially bigger than four-wheeled vehicles. Most of the time, the professionals operating commercial trucks have the skills and experience necessary to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
However, sometimes semi-trucks cause crashes that have major consequences for the occupants of smaller vehicles. After a crash caused by an 18-wheeler, the other parties involved in the incident may wonder what options and rights they have. They may be able to seek financial compensation by filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Who is typically responsible for covering the costs of a semi-truck crash?
Multiple parties could be liable
The circumstances of each collision are unique. Those involved in a crash often need to look carefully into the situation to determine who may be liable. Frequently, when looking at the causes of semi-truck collisions, the driver of the commercial truck is to blame.
They make the wrong decision or fail to properly monitor their surroundings. In cases involving negligence and obvious misconduct, such as drunk driving, the professional operating the semi-truck may be at least partially liable for the crash.
Many times, their employer is also partially liable. Businesses are often responsible for the negligence and mistakes of their workers. In scenarios where poor vehicle maintenance or demanding employment policies contributed to a wreck, employers may have direct liability for the crash.
There could even be third-party businesses that are partially responsible for a semi-truck crash. Issues with how clients loaded a trailer, safety issues caused by defective vehicle components or improper repairs performed by outside professionals could all lead to liability for outside companies after a semi-truck collision.
Determining who may be liable is often the first step in the process of pursuing compensation after a semi-truck crash. Those affected by commercial truck collisions may need help evaluating the situation and determining who to hold accountable.