Determining who was liable and at fault in a trucking accident requires a detailed investigation into how the crash occurred and who contributed to it. Unlike standard car accidents, trucking crashes often involve multiple parties, layers of responsibility, and technical evidence that must be analyzed to assign fault accurately. A Charleston trucking accident attorney can assist you in your legal case.
Investigating the Cause of the Crash
The first step in determining liability is identifying what caused the accident. Common causes include speeding, driver fatigue, distracted driving, improper lane changes, mechanical failure, or unsecured cargo. Each cause points toward different potentially responsible parties.
Investigators review police reports, photographs, video footage, skid marks, and vehicle damage. In serious cases, accident reconstruction experts analyze braking distance, impact angles, and vehicle data to explain how the collision occurred.
Examining the Truck Driver’s Conduct
Truck drivers must operate large, heavy vehicles safely at all times. Fault may be assigned to the driver if evidence shows reckless behavior, impairment, distraction, or failure to follow traffic rules. Fatigue is a frequent issue in trucking accidents, particularly when drivers exceed safe driving hours or fail to take required rest breaks. Driver logbooks, electronic logging devices, cell phone records, and witness statements often play a key role in evaluating driver behavior.
Assessing Trucking Company Responsibility
If a driver was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the crash, the trucking company may be held responsible for the driver’s negligence. Company records, employment files, and internal communications often help establish this connection.
Trucking companies may also share liability when their actions contribute to a crash. This can occur when a company fails to properly train drivers, encourages unrealistic delivery schedules, ignores safety complaints, or allows unsafe vehicles on the road.
Evaluating Vehicle and Equipment Issues
Mechanical failures can shift liability away from the driver and toward other parties. Faulty brakes, worn tires, steering defects, or lighting failures may indicate poor maintenance or defective parts.
In these cases, liability may rest with maintenance providers, inspection contractors, or manufacturers. Maintenance logs, repair histories, and expert inspections help determine whether equipment failure played a role in the accident.
Considering Cargo and Loading Errors
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause trucks to jackknife, tip over, or lose control. Cargo shifts may also increase stopping distance or cause trailer instability. When cargo issues contribute to a crash, fault may extend to cargo loaders, shipping companies, or third-party logistics providers. Bills of lading, loading records, and weight documentation are critical in these investigations.
Accounting for Other Drivers and Road Conditions
Not all trucking accidents are caused solely by the truck or its operators. Another driver may have cut off the truck, stopped suddenly, or driven negligently. In some cases, unsafe road design, missing signage, or poor maintenance may contribute to the collision. Determining fault requires examining every factor involved, not just the size of the vehicles.
How Comparative Fault Affects Liability
In many trucking accidents, fault is shared among multiple parties. Comparative fault principles allow responsibility to be divided based on each party’s contribution to the crash. Evidence determines how fault percentages are assigned, which directly impacts who pays for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term damages. Missing a responsible party or misidentifying fault can significantly limit available compensation.
