Truck accidents can happen suddenly and turn your life upside down. You face painful injuries, prolonged recovery and mounting medical bills—on top of financial worries due to lost wages from missing work.
Many people immediately think the truck driver bears sole responsibility when crashes happen. But other parties often share liability for these accidents. Knowing who to hold accountable can make a big difference in getting fair compensation for your injuries.
Trucking companies share the blame
Trucking companies have the responsibility of ensuring their operations remain safe. They need to:
- Hire qualified drivers
- Provide proper safety training
- Ensure timely truck maintenance and repairs
- Avoid rushed and unsafe deadlines
When companies take shortcuts by employing drivers with bad records or forcing them to drive too many hours, they put everyone at risk and become partly responsible for crashes.
Maintenance teams may cause failures
Trucks need regular checkups to stay safe on Arizona roads. That’s why the people who fix and maintain trucks play a big part in preventing accidents.
The maintenance team may be at fault when truck parts fail—like brakes giving out, tires bursting, or steering problems. If they missed important safety issues or did poor-quality repairs that led to your accident, you may include them in your claim.
Cargo loaders can create hazards
Loading crews must pack trucks safely to prevent accidents. Poorly loaded or overweight cargo can lead to:
- Heavy loads shifting and causing trucks to flip over
- Items falling onto the road and creating hazards
- Too much weight making trucks unable to stop in time
- Uneven loading making trucks unstable
Companies that load cargo onto trucks must follow strict safety rules. They may be liable for damages if they make loading mistakes that lead to spilled cargo or truck tip-overs.
Justice may require multiple claims
Don’t focus only on the truck driver when seeking payment for your injuries. Other parties may also have a part in the accident. Holding them responsible not only helps pay your bills but also prevent future crashes and make Arizona roads safer for everyone. A truck accident lawyer can find all responsible parties and help you get the money you need to recover.