A truck driver may not necessarily be at fault for a crash. In some instances, the trucking company may bear responsibility. Trucking companies have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their drivers and trucks on the roads.

If you are injured in a truck accident, it is essential to determine where liability lies before filing a claim. The trucking company can be held responsible for your accident in several ways, such as:

Negligent hiring

A trucking company must ensure it hires the right people for the job. It includes conducting sufficient background checks before allowing a driver on the road. Suppose the company employs a driver with a history of drug abuse, accidents or traffic violations, and that driver is involved in an accident. In that case, the company may be liable for negligent hiring.

Failure to maintain vehicles

Vehicle malfunction can also put the blame on the trucking company if they failed to undertake regular maintenance. Trucks must always be in a roadworthy condition as required by law, and the trucking company must keep maintenance and repair records for at least six months.

Overloading

Overloading a truck beyond its maximum weight capacity can cause the vehicle to become unstable and difficult to control. If an accident occurs due to overloading, the trucking company may be liable.

Violating the hours of service

The law is very clear on the number of hours a trucker should be on the road to avoid driver fatigue. A trucking company can be responsible for a crash caused by a fatigued driver if it pressures its drivers to work beyond the prescribed time limits.

Get help with your truck accident claim

A lot goes into settling claims arising from truck accidents. Beyond establishing the liable party, you also need to assess your damages and understand how things work in the claims process. Therefore, it is advisable to reach out for legal guidance for help on what to do to protect your interests and get the compensation you deserve.