There are multiple factors that can contribute to a truck accident involving other vehicles on the road from weather and road conditions to factors involving the driver such as reckless driving, impairment, fatigue and distraction or an improper unsecured load. The party responsible for damages in a truck accident may include the trucking company, the truck driver, the manufacturer of the truck, or a government entity:
Commercial truck companies may be liable if an employee causes an accident while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving including speeding, or otherwise driving negligently. If a driver violates federal law such as hours of service regulations or if the trucking company fails to properly maintain a vehicle, they may also be liable for damages if someone is injured.
Sometimes a truck driver is liable if they are not an employee of a trucking company but rather an independent contractor or the accident occurred outside of the scope of employment. Truck drivers that are independent contractors are required to carry insurance to cover damages in an accident.
Sometimes defective equipment is to blame for an accident. The manufacturer or designer of truck parts that fail or malfunction that contribute to an accident may be liable for damages.
Accidents caused by poor road design or maintenance, lack of signage, or other problems caused by negligence on the part of a city, state, or county – or accidents caused by a government employee – may result in a claim being made against a government entity.
It is in your best interest to contact an experienced commercial truck accident lawyer to take a look at the circumstances surrounding the accident. You may be able to seek compensation for your personal injuries and losses. Contact the Des Moines Iowa personal injury attorneys of Stoltze & Stoltze for help today at 515-244-1473.
