Various parties can potentially be held liable for a truck accident, including:
The Truck Driver – The driver can be held responsible even if they’re an independent contractor of the company they work for, and not a 1099 employee, when they are working under the scope of their employment when the crash occurred.
The Truck Driver’s Employer – Regardless of the relative percentage of fault between an employee and an employer, if the at fault driver was an employee of the trucking company, you can hold the company or employer liable for your damages. Under the respondeat superior legal theory, employers can be held liable for the accidents that their employees cause during the course of their employment.
The Truck Manufacturer – A defect during the manufacturing of the truck or a design flaw can also cause truck accidents. If it can be proven that these defects caused or contributed to the crash, the truck manufacturer may be held liable for the crash.
The Shippers or Cargo Loaders – Some truck crashes involve an issue with the truck’s cargo. For example, if the loader failed to properly inspect or secure the cargo, they may be held responsible when the cargo falls or shifts during transport and causes a crash that leads to property damage or injury to others.
The Mechanics Responsible for Servicing The Truck – If you can prove that the truck or a part of the truck wasn’t properly maintained or repaired, the mechanics that handle the truck’s maintenance could be held liable for the accident.
A Government Contractor or Entity – If improperly or inadequately maintained roads, unmarked lanes, unsafe construction zones, obstructed views, and other road hazards cause or contribute to the collision, the government contractor or entity responsible for maintaining the roadway where the accident happened may likewise be held liable for your losses.