Understanding Liability in El Paso County Trucking Accidents

 Posted on June 01, 2023 in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in El Paso County can be devastating. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, they can cause significant property damage, severe injury, and even death to those involved. In many cases, the truck driver or the company the truck driver works for may be found liable for the accident. Contact a lawyer right away if you have been involved in a roadway accident involving a truck.

When May a Truck Driver or Their Company Be Held Liable for An Accident?

Here are several circumstances in which a driver of a truck or the company they work for may be held liable for a crash in El Paso County, including:

• Violation of traffic laws – Every driver must obey traffic laws when it comes to roadway safety. This includes laws related to speeding, lane changes, and driving while intoxicated, such as if the driver had consumed alcohol or used drugs before operating their truck. If a truck driver violates any of these traffic laws and it results in an accident, they may be found liable for the ensuing damages.
• Negligent hiring or training – In some cases, a trucking company may be liable if they negligently hired or trained a driver who went on to cause an accident. For example, suppose a company hires a driver with a history of DWIs, and the driver causes an accident while driving a truck intoxicated. The company will likely be held responsible for the resulting damages in that case.
• Improper cargo loading – If a truck driver fails to secure their load properly or overloads their truck, it can cause the trailer to tilt, creating a hazardous situation for other drivers on the road. In such cases, the truck driver may be liable for the accident's damages.
• Poor maintenance – Truck owners and operators are responsible for ensuring that their trucks are in good condition and safe for the road. If the truck driver causes an accident due to a mechanical problem caused by a failure to maintain the truck, the driver could be held liable for damages related to the accident.

Contact an El Paso County Personal Injury Attorney

Being involved in an accident with a truck is an often traumatizing experience, especially if you are injured in the process. If this has happened to you, contact the esteemed Sierra Blanca personal injury lawyer with James Kennedy, P.L.L.C.. Call 915-544-5200 for a free consultation.

Source -

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief