Who is responsible for a truck crash?
Most truck crashes involve several companies. Each can bring its own insurance to the table.
The driver
Drivers can be responsible for speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, distraction, fatigue or impairment.
The motor carrier
The company operating the truck is usually responsible for its driver's conduct on the job. It can also be directly responsible for its own failures: hiring an unqualified driver, poor training, pushing unrealistic schedules or ignoring safety rules.
Owners and leasing companies
The tractor, trailer and operating authority can belong to different companies. Leases between them can affect who is responsible and which policies apply.
Shippers and loaders
Overloaded, unbalanced or poorly secured cargo can cause rollovers, jackknifes and spilled loads.
Maintenance and manufacturers
Brake failures, tire blowouts and defective parts can point to a repair shop or a manufacturer.
Freight brokers
Whether a broker who arranged the load can be held responsible is a developing area of law. We look at the broker's role in every case.