Who Is Liable In A Tractor Trailer Accident In Maryland?

In many traffic accidents, it is clear who is responsible for causing the crash. However, liability is not always clear, especially in a tractor-trailer accident. Several parties may be liable for damages for accidents involving tractor-trailers or large trucks. A Maryland tractor trailer accident attorney can investigate the crash to determine the factors that led to the crash and the parties responsible for contributing to the cause of the crash. Tractor trailer accidents cause horrific injuries. These accidents often result in life-altering injuries and fatalities. Accident victims and families should consult an experienced Maryland tractor trailer accident attorney. The defendants in a commercial truck accident will likely have numerous attorneys and law firms protecting the parties from liability. You deserve to have a legal team doing the same for you. Call the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team at 410-525-5337 to schedule your free case review. Parties Liable for Damages Caused by a Tractor Trailer Accident There are many parties involved in transporting goods by tractor trailer. The trucking industry includes truck drivers, trucking companies, shippers, receivers, leasing agents and companies, truck manufacturers, maintenance companies, repair shops, and parts manufacturers. Any of these parties or a combination of these parties may be liable for your tractor trailer accident. Identifying the responsible parties is essential because only responsible parties can be ordered to pay compensation for your damages. Let’s look at some of the potential parties in a tractor trailer accident claim. Truck Drivers Truck driver error is often a common cause of tractor trailer accidents. Some of the negligent or reckless driving behaviors that can cause a crash include:
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Failing to check blind spots
  • Drowsy or fatigued driving
  • Drunk and drugged driving
  • Following too closely
  • Inexperience or lack of training
  • Distracted driving
Even though a driver may be responsible for causing a crash, other parties may also be liable. A thorough truck accident investigation is required to ensure all potential defendants in a tractor trailer accident are identified. Trucking Companies Trucking companies may also be liable for a commercial truck accident. Some truck drivers are self-employed; however, they may lease their trucks from the trucking company. A truck may also employ truck drivers. Determining the relationship between the truck driver and the trucking company is one of the first steps in an investigation. Trucking companies may be held liable in truck accident cases for several reasons including: During a tractor-trailer accident investigation, it is important to place the trucking company on notice to preserve all information related to the driver and the truck involved in the accident. Some information can be destroyed after a certain period; therefore, notice is required to preserve these records. Truck and Parts Manufacturers A defective part could contribute to the cause of a truck accident. Because of the size and weight of these vehicles, it is important that all parts and systems work correctly. If the brakes, tires, or steering systems are defective, the driver could lose control of the vehicle. Maintenance and Repair Companies Likewise, all of the parts and systems on a tractor-trailer must be in good working order. Routine inspections are required to ensure parts are replaced, and repairs are made as needed. If a maintenance or repair company makes an error or is negligent, the result could be deadly. Shippers Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can cause a large truck to flip over or be more difficult to stop. Shippers who try to overload a truck or do not place the load inside the trailer correctly place the truck driver and all others on the road in danger. Government Agencies In some cases, road conditions may contribute to a tractor-trailer accident. Defectively designed roads, lack of traffic signs or signals, missing or damaged barriers, and dangerous work zones may contribute to the cause of a large truck accident. If so, the government agency responsible for the roadway may be partially to blame for the crash. Choose an Experienced Maryland Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney The evidence in a tractor-trailer accident case can be overwhelming. Obtaining the evidence required to prove liability for a tractor-trailer accident can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Allow the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team to do all the legwork for you to gather the evidence needed to prove liability while you focus on your recovery. Contact Pinder Plotkin LLC for your free consultation by calling 410-525-5337.   The information provided in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject. The information contained in this blog is also subject to change and should not be relied upon. Contact the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team for a FREE consultation.
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