Who Can Be Held Liable for an Illinois Truck Accident?

 Posted on January 15, 2020 in Personal Injury

If you have ever traveled on any of America’s highways, you have probably noticed how many large trucks drive on the road each day. According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), there were 36 million large trucks registered and used for business purposes in 2017. When large trucks are involved in motor vehicle collisions, the results can often be catastrophic, especially when other vehicles are involved. Large trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, compared to the average passenger vehicle which typically weighs about 5,000 pounds. Due to this disparity, truck accidents are likely to result in serious injuries to the occupants of other cars. Even though the causes of truck accidents can vary, the following are a few examples of who could be held liable for injuries sustained in a truck accident:

The Truck Driver

One of the most common parties to be held liable for a trucking accident is one of the most obvious -- the truck driver. The motorist is the person who is in actual physical control of the vehicle, so everything that he or she does can contribute to whether or not an accident occurs. For example, a truck driver who speeds, drives while distracted, violates traffic laws, or drives while drowsy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be held responsible for his or her actions.

The Trucking Company

In certain cases, the business that employs a truck driver can also be held liable for an accident. The trucking company has a responsibility to ensure that their drivers have the proper licensure and training in order to operate a large truck. They are also responsible for ensuring the driver is following rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If the trucking company is found to have encouraged or forced a driver to break those rules, they could be held responsible for a collision.

Cargo Loaders and Maintenance Crew Members

There is also a possibility that other people involved in the trucking industry could be held liable for a crash. Individuals who load the cargo onto trucks have a responsibility to do so safely. If cargo is not loaded properly or tied down correctly, or if a truck is overloaded, items that fall from a truck could lead to an accident. Similarly, maintenance crew members are responsible for keeping the truck in proper working order and free of defects or other hazards. They could be held responsible if a truck component failed due to poor upkeep.

Contact a Lombard, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

Being in any type of motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause serious injuries, but if you are in an accident with a large truck, it is even more likely that you could be hurt. At the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we understand how a crash can change your life, and we are here to help. Our compassionate DuPage County truck accident attorneys will carefully review the details of your collision in order to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call our office today at 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation.