Understanding Liability in Commercial Truck Accidents

Story by Joel Berly
December 5, 2024

Commercial truck accidents are some of the most devastating motor vehicle collisions, often causing severe injuries and fatalities due to their size and weight. In South Carolina, semi-trucks were involved in 6,252 collisions, with 81 lives lost and 124 serious injuries in 2022.

For those hurt in commercial truck collisions, filing a claim with the liable party can help with medical expenses, repair costs, and lost wages after the crash. However, determining liability can be complicated due to the number of parties involved and the safety regulations governing the industry.

Learn who might be liable in trucking accidents and how our experienced attorneys at Berly Rouse help victims fight for the compensation they deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Trucking Accident?

Unlike standard motor vehicle collisions, commercial truck accidents often involve multiple parties. Liability can extend to the following:

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers can be held responsible for a crash if their negligence contributed to the accident. Common examples include:

• Driving while fatigued. Truck drivers may be liable if they exceed legal driving hours or skip rest breaks, which can lead to impaired reactions and decision-making.

• Driving while distracted. Liability can arise when drivers engage in activities like texting or eating, diverting their focus and causing unsafe conditions.

• Driving under the influence. Driving while intoxicated is illegal in South Carolina under Statute 56-5-2930. If a big rig driver gets behind the wheel while under the influence, they can be held liable for damages resulting from a crash.

Trucking Companies

Truck accident victims may also file a claim against the trucking company that employed the driver. This can include circumstances such as:

• Hiring unqualified drivers. Employing individuals without proper licenses or adequate training can make the company liable for resulting accidents.

• Failing to oversee drivers. Trucking companies can share responsibility for collisions if they fail to monitor compliance with safety regulations, such as driving hours and electronic log accuracy.

• Neglecting vehicle upkeep. Ignoring required inspections or repairs can cause mechanical issues that lead to crashes, leaving the company accountable.

Other Potentially Liable Parties

In some cases, third parties or contractors can be at fault for a truck accident. You may be able to include the following parties in your compensation claim:

• Third-party service providers. Mechanics or maintenance crews who perform substandard repairs or inspections can be held liable if their work causes vehicle malfunctions. Contractors hired for vehicle maintenance may also share responsibility in these cases.

• Vehicle or parts manufacturers. If defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, cause a mechanical failure, manufacturers can be held accountable for their role in the crash.

• Cargo loaders. Loading errors, such as failing to secure cargo properly or exceeding weight limits, can create hazards on the road, making these entities liable for resulting accidents.

Proving Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Proving liability in a truck accident often requires piecing together detailed evidence and understanding local and federal regulations. At Berly Rouse, we work to identify all responsible parties and collect the evidence necessary to build a strong claim.

Our team:

• Review police reports to identify fault and key details about the incident.
• Analyze driver logs to uncover rest time violations or signs of fatigue.
• Investigate maintenance records to determine whether missed inspections or repairs contributed to the crash.
• Interview witnesses to provide clarity on how the accident occurred.
• Extract black box data to examine speed, braking, and other critical information before the collision.
• Consult industry experts for insights into mechanical issues, cargo loading practices, or other technical factors.

With this evidence, we can develop a clear, actionable strategy to hold negligent parties accountable. Whether addressing improper maintenance, driver error, or third-party contributions, we focus on presenting a strong, evidence-based case to pursue fair compensation for your losses.

Get the Legal Help You Deserve

Understanding liability in commercial truck accidents is the first step toward recovering compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, turn to Berly Rouse for qualified legal support.

We know the tactics aggressive trucking companies and their insurers use to pressure victims into unfair settlements—we’ll use our years of experience and legal knowledge to gather evidence, identify all responsible parties, and win a settlement covering the full scope of your losses.

Contact Berly Rouse for a free consultation, and let us help you with your truck accident case.

Categories: Truck Accident