Several parties can be held liable after a truck accident in Tennessee, not just the driver. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to go after the trucking company, a manufacturer, the company that loaded the cargo, a maintenance provider, a government agency, and others. Finding every responsible party matters because each one is a potential source of compensation for your injuries.
The Truck Driver
The driver is the most obvious place to start. You may have a valid claim against them as long as they were acting negligently (carelessly) at the time of the accident. Driver fatigue is a common example in these cases. Federal rules limit how many hours a truck driver can be on the road without resting, and breaking those rules may be considered a form of negligence.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company often shares a large portion of the blame. Under a legal rule called respondeat superior, employers can be held responsible when their employees cause harm while on the job. So if the driver was working at the time of the crash, the company may owe you compensation too.
Trucking companies can also be at fault for their own actions. This includes things like hiring drivers with bad safety records and failing to follow federal safety rules.
Manufacturers of Defective Parts
Sometimes, the crash has nothing to do with driver error. If a defect in the truck or one of its parts played a role in the collision, the company that made it can be held liable under product liability law.
The Cargo Loading Company
Cargo that isn’t loaded or secured the right way can shift during transit, causing the truck to tip over and potentially spill its load onto the road. Federal rules set clear standards for how cargo must be handled. If a loading company cut corners and that led to the crash, they can be held responsible.
The Maintenance Provider
Many trucking companies hire outside shops to maintain their vehicles. If one of those shops performed a sloppy repair job or used bad replacement parts, for instance, they may share liability for the accident.
A Government Entity
Bad road conditions can also play a role in truck accidents. Things like potholes and broken traffic lights may point to fault on the part of a state or local government agency. These claims come with special rules under Tennessee law, however, so acting fast is important.
The Importance of Identifying Every Liable Party
Truck accident cases often involve more than one party at fault. The driver alone may not have the resources to cover your losses, but trucking companies and manufacturers tend to carry large insurance policies. Looking at the full picture during the investigation phase helps make sure you aren’t leaving money behind.
An experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine everyone who shares liability and, from there, help you maximize the value of your claim.
Contact a Tennessee Truck Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation
Were you injured in a truck accident in Tennessee? Figuring out who is liable is one of the most important parts of your case. Call Woodard Injury Law today to learn more and get started with your claim by calling (615) 314-4626 or by reaching out online.