If you are injured in a commercial vehicle accident, such as a collision with an 18-wheeler, it is certainly true that the driver themselves may be liable. Perhaps they made a negligent mistake, like running a stop sign. Maybe they were distracted behind the wheel or driving under the influence.
But it is important to remember that the driver may not be the only party who is responsible. The company they operate the vehicle for could also bear some liability. What are some reasons why this could be the case?
Hiring qualified drivers
For one thing, there are high standards for commercial drivers, and they need to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If a company hires unqualified or untrained drivers and lets them operate commercial vehicles, that increases the risks to other motorists.
Driving time limits
Commercial drivers are also bound by certain rules about how long they can drive and how long they need to take off the clock. For instance, if a driver is on duty for 14 hours, they can usually only drive for a maximum of 11 hours. If a driver is pressured to break these regulations, the company could be at fault.
Vehicle maintenance issues
Finally, the company itself is sometimes responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle that the driver is using. If that vehicle has been neglected, it could directly lead to an accident, such as if there is a brake failure.
Seeking full compensation
Commercial accidents can be more complex because your case may involve the driver, the company they work for, and multiple insurance providers. It is very important to understand all of your options to seek full financial compensation.