Commercial vehicles tend to be larger than most other cars on the road and can therefore cause significant damage when a collision occurs. Following this type of accident, the question arises as to whether the commercial driver or the company that employs them is at fault.
Many commercial vehicle drivers operate large trucks, and the National Safety Council reports the involvement of 5,700 large trucks in fatal crashes for the year 2021. If you experience an accident with a commercial vehicle, whether it is a large truck, box truck or a van, you need to understand who might actually be at fault.
Is the commercial vehicle driver at fault?
In many cases, it makes sense to point the finger at the individual actually operating a commercial vehicle when that vehicle causes an accident. If the driver is guilty of negligent behavior, then there can be little doubt that they are at fault. It is also important to consider that commercial drivers often operate for long hours and are typically responsible for pulling over when they notice the onset of fatigue that may affect their driving.
What other parties might be at fault?
If an accident occurs in part due to the policies or poor training provided by the commercial driver’s employer, then the company itself may also be at fault. Poor maintenance, faulty parts or unbalanced cargo loading can also contribute to an accident due to the negligence of the company or its partners.
If you sustain an injury in a commercial vehicle accident, it is essential to know all parties that might be at fault. Neglecting to pursue compensation from the company that shares in the blame can result in you receiving less than the full amount you deserve.