When fully loaded, commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This means a collision between a commercial truck and a motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist may have devastating results. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, burns, lacerations, internal hemorrhaging, spinal cord trauma, and other catastrophic injuries. In a car accident, there are generally just two parties who may be liable: the driver or the car manufacturer. However, in a commercial truck wreck, there are several parties who may be held liable.
These parties include:
- The trucking company
- The driver of the truck
- The maintenance or cargo loading company
- The truck manufacturer
Trucking companies are responsible to comply with the federal trucking regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If the company fails to comply with the strict hiring practices and other procedures required by law, it may be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit. Furthermore, truck drivers may also be held liable for negligence or recklessness that causes an accident.
In some cases, the trucking company may hire third-party maintenance and cargo loading crews. If improperly loaded cargo caused the accident, or the maintenance company failed to adequately care for the vehicles, it may be held liable for a crash. The manufacturer of the truck parts may also be held liable if a defective or dangerously designed part caused an accident. A thorough investigation will be necessary to determine who is responsible, and our firm will tenaciously represent you from start to finish.
Goeing Goeing & McQuinn PLLC provides diligent representation to clients injured by the negligence of others. We will discuss your options and guide you through the legal process as you seek financial relief. Contact our office today to discuss your case in a free consultation with one of our Lexington truck accident attorneys.