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9 Sep

The Burden of Proof: Trucking Companies and Accident Liability

By Melissa Hidalgo

Truck accidents can cause immense physical, emotional, and financial devastation. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, we understand the challenges you face after a collision involving a commercial truck. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, property damage, and life-altering consequences.

When a truck accident occurs, determining who is liable can be complex. While many factors contribute to these crashes, negligence on the part of the trucking company is often a primary cause. If you believe a trucking company's actions or inactions contributed to your injuries, seeking legal counsel is crucial.

Our dedicated team of Orlando truck accident lawyers is committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

When Trucking Companies Are Liable

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences. When a massive commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the results are often catastrophic. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our Orlando truck accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to helping victims seek justice.

The Trucking Company's Duty of Care

Trucking companies have a legal responsibility to operate safely and responsibly. This includes a duty to ensure their drivers are qualified, their vehicles are well-maintained, and their operations comply with all relevant regulations. When a company fails to uphold these obligations, leading to an accident, they may be held liable for the resulting damages.

Common Causes of Trucking Company Liability

Several factors can contribute to a trucking company's liability in an accident:

  • Negligent Hiring and Retention: Trucking companies must conduct thorough background checks on potential drivers, verifying their driving records, criminal histories, and drug and alcohol use. Failure to do so can lead to accidents caused by unqualified drivers. Additionally, retaining drivers with a history of unsafe behavior or violations can expose the company to liability.
  • Hours of Service Violations: Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate a vehicle without rest. Companies that pressure drivers to exceed these limits increase the risk of fatigue-related accidents.
  • Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for ensuring truck safety. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical failures can cause accidents.
  • Overloading and Cargo Securement: Exceeding weight limits or improperly securing cargo can lead to rollovers, tire blowouts, and other hazards.
  • Driver Fatigue: Sleep deprivation is a significant factor in many truck accidents. Companies must implement policies to prevent fatigued driving.

Holding the Trucking Company Accountable

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it's important to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Orlando . We can investigate the circumstances of the crash, gather evidence, and build a strong case to hold the responsible parties accountable.

At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our Orlando truck accident attorneys understand the challenges you face. We are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Trucking Company Liability in Specific Types of Accidents

Truck accidents can occur in various ways, each with unique legal considerations. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our Orlando truck accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and can help you determine if the trucking company is liable.

Common Types of Truck Accidents and Liability

  • Blind Spot Accidents: Due to their size, commercial trucks have significant blind spots. If a driver fails to properly check these areas before changing lanes or turning, and a collision occurs, the trucking company may be held responsible.
  • Hours of Service Violations: When truck drivers are fatigued due to excessive hours on the road, the risk of accidents increases dramatically. If a crash is caused by driver fatigue due to hours of service violations, the trucking company can be held liable.
  • Unsecured Load Accidents: Improperly secured cargo can lead to catastrophic accidents. Trucking companies have a duty to ensure that loads are properly secured. If cargo shifts or falls off, causing damage or injuries, the company may be held accountable.
  • Tire Blowout Accidents: Tire maintenance is crucial for truck safety. If a tire blowout causes an accident due to neglect or improper maintenance, the trucking company can be held liable.
  • Lost Load Accidents: When cargo falls from a truck, it can create hazardous conditions for other drivers. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that cargo is properly secured to prevent such accidents.

If you've been involved in a truck accident caused by any of these factors, contact an Orlando truck accident lawyer at Injury Assistance Law Firm for a free consultation. We will investigate the circumstances of your case and fight to protect your rights.

Understanding Trucking Company Liability

Truck accidents can be complex, and determining who is responsible for your injuries is often challenging. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our Orlando truck accident lawyers understand the intricacies of trucking company liability.

The concept of respondeat superior means that employers can be held accountable for the negligent actions of their employees. In the context of truck accidents, this principle holds trucking companies responsible for the conduct of their drivers. While driver negligence is often a primary factor in these crashes, the trucking company may also share liability due to factors such as:

  • Negligent hiring: Failing to conduct thorough background checks on drivers.
  • Improper driver training: Not providing adequate training for truck operators.
  • Vehicle maintenance issues: Neglecting to maintain trucks in safe operating condition.
  • Hours of service violations: Pressuring drivers to exceed legal driving limits.
  • Overloading or improperly securing cargo: Creating hazardous conditions.

Federal regulations, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), set strict standards for the trucking industry. When trucking companies violate these regulations, it can significantly impact a victim's ability to recover damages.

If you've been injured in a truck accident, don't navigate the legal process alone. Our Orlando truck accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and seeking maximum compensation. We will meticulously investigate your case, build a strong claim, and fight to hold negligent parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Final Thoughts

Truck accidents are often catastrophic events caused often by the negligence of trucking companies. These corporations have a profound responsibility to ensure the safety of the public by hiring qualified drivers, maintaining their vehicles, and complying with stringent regulations. When they fail to do so, the consequences can be devastating.

At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our Orlando truck accident lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent trucking companies accountable. We understand the challenges victims face and are committed to seeking maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Don't let a trucking company's negligence define your future. Contact us today for a free consultation.