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A commercial vehicle accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and unanswered questions about what to do next. When these accidents occur, determining who is responsible can make all the difference in your recovery. Commercial vehicles are large and heavy and often carry significant risks on the road. When someone’s negligence leads to a collision, the consequences can be devastating. If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle accident, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable for your losses.
The Commercial Driver’s Responsibility
Commercial drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws. When a driver acts negligently, they may be held responsible for accidents that cause harm. Common forms of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or other distractions that take attention away from the road.
- Speeding or reckless driving: Exceeding speed limits or making unsafe maneuvers like sudden lane changes.
- Driving under the influence: Operating a commercial vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Driver fatigue is another significant factor in commercial vehicle accidents. Long hours on the road can impair reaction times and lead to poor decisions. Even when drivers adhere to their schedules, they may still experience exhaustion, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
At Ardalan & Associates, we analyze the driver’s conduct and records to determine whether their actions contributed to the accident. We help you build a strong case for accountability.
The Trucking Company’s Role
Trucking companies have a responsibility to prioritize safety, but failures in their operations can lead to devastating accidents. They can be held liable when their negligence contributes to a collision. Common ways trucking companies may be at fault include:
- Negligent hiring practices: Employing unqualified or undertrained drivers who lack the skills to operate large vehicles safely.
- Inadequate training: Failing to provide proper training on safety regulations, vehicle handling, or hazardous conditions.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Neglecting routine inspections or delaying critical repairs, increasing the risk of mechanical failure.
- Unrealistic schedules: Imposing delivery deadlines that push drivers to speed or drive while fatigued, compromising safety.
- Lack of oversight: Failing to monitor drivers’ compliance with hours-of-service regulations or other safety requirements.
Employers are also legally responsible for their employees’ actions on the job, meaning trucking companies can be held accountable for accidents caused by their drivers’ negligence.
The Role of Vehicle Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers
Defective vehicles or faulty parts can contribute to serious commercial vehicle accidents. When brakes fail, tires blow out, or other mechanical issues occur due to manufacturing defects, the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable. Similarly, maintenance providers play a crucial role in keeping trucks safe on the road. If a maintenance company neglects necessary repairs or performs inadequate service, it can share responsibility for accidents caused by those failures.
Investigating these factors requires a detailed review of vehicle records, repair logs, and other evidence to identify whether a manufacturer or maintenance provider contributed to the crash and resulting injuries.
Liability of Third Parties
In some cases, third parties may share responsibility for a commercial vehicle accident. These parties can include:
- Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control or the load to spill onto the road.
- Other drivers: Negligent actions by other motorists, such as cutting off a truck or sudden lane changes, can trigger multi-vehicle accidents.
- Contractors or subcontractors: Companies tasked with road maintenance or vehicle repairs may be liable if their negligence directly contributed to the crash.
Each of these parties could bear responsibility depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.
How We Can Help You Pursue Compensation
At Ardalan & Associates, we are committed to helping you identify all parties responsible for your accident. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of the crash, from driver behavior to vehicle maintenance and company practices. Our team collects and analyzes evidence, such as driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements, to build a strong case. By uncovering the full scope of negligence, we ensure you have the opportunity to seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Contact Our Experienced Thousand Oaks Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys
Recovering from a commercial vehicle accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Ardalan & Associates, we’re here to fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discuss your case.