There are certainly cases in which truck drivers are responsible for accidents that they cause. Perhaps the driver made a negligent mistake like distracted driving or drowsy driving. Truck drivers are susceptible to many of the same issues that cause accidents with passenger cars. Human error is the top cause of all car accidents, not just truck accidents.
But there are also situations in which trucking companies may be responsible, as they may have played a role in causing the accident. Why would this be true?
Negligent maintenance
One example could be if the trucking company was negligent in maintaining the vehicle. Maybe the driver didn’t even make a mistake, but a poorly-maintained truck lost its brakes going down a hill. The driver tried to avoid the accident, but it was impossible because they had been given defective equipment by the company they worked for.
What does this mean for your case?
If you’ve been injured in such an accident, one key component of the case may be who technically owns the vehicle and is responsible for maintaining and taking care of it. Some truck drivers are independent contractors and own their own vehicles. But if they were driving on behalf of a company, then that company may also have been negligent if they did not do the required inspections and maintenance.
Demonstrating negligence goes a long way toward seeking financial compensation for medical bills and other costs after an accident. You may be able to seek compensation from both the driver and the company they worked for, expanding your legal options. Be sure you know what steps to take.