When an accident involving a truck occurs, it’s not always just the driver who may be held accountable. In many cases, the trucking company might also bear responsibility for the driver’s actions. Whether due to negligent hiring practices, inadequate training, or failure to maintain the truck properly, a trucking company’s role in the accident can’t be ignored.
Understanding your legal options is crucial, especially when facing significant damages or injuries. Working with a personal injury lawyer or a personal accident lawyer can help clarify whether the trucking company’s negligence played a role in the incident. For those in Alberta, an injury lawyer in Edmonton can guide you through the process of building a case, ensuring your rights are protected, and you have the best chance of securing fair compensation.
Trucking companies are held accountable for accidents caused by their drivers under this legal principle of “vicarious liability.” This means they may be responsible for their employees’ actions if those actions occur while performing job-related duties. Understanding when a trucking company may share liability is key to pursuing a claim.
When a trucking company fails to conduct appropriate background checks on their recruited drivers, they put others on the road at risk. If the company hires an unqualified or unsafe driver—such as someone with a history of reckless driving or without the necessary licenses—it can be held liable for all the accidents caused by that driver. Ensuring drivers meet safety and training standards is a company’s responsibility, and neglecting this duty can have serious consequences.
Driving a commercial truck requires skill and extensive training. If the trucking company does not provide adequate training for the driver to handle large vehicles safely, navigate challenging road conditions, or execute emergency maneuvers, they can be held accountable for accidents that occur due to these shortcomings. Proper training ensures that drivers can operate trucks responsibly, reducing risks to others.
Trucking companies are held responsible for keeping their fleets in safe operating conditions. Failing to regularly inspect and repair their vehicles will lead to mechanical failures like faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions. When an accident occurs due to poor truck maintenance, the company may be held liable for the resulting damages and injuries.
Many trucking companies set strict delivery deadlines, often encouraging drivers to speed or exceed legal hours of service to meet unrealistic expectations. This can lead to fatigue, speeding, or reckless driving, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents. If a company’s policies or practices contribute to unsafe behaviour, they can share responsibility for any accidents that result.
Reviewing the driver’s hiring records can reveal whether the company overlooked red flags, such as poor driving history, lack of credentials, or past safety violations.
Records showing inadequate or incomplete training can support claims that the company failed to prepare the driver for the demands of the job.
Detailed logs can expose skipped inspections, overdue repairs, or faulty equipment that contributed to the accident.
ELDs track driving hours and speeds, often providing critical evidence if a company pressured the driver to violate safety regulations or exceed legal limits.
An injury lawyer in Edmonton can subpoena these records, ensuring all relevant evidence is uncovered to establish the company’s liability.
If the trucking company is found liable for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
This includes costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.
Compensation can cover time missed from work and any reduction in earning capacity because of long-term injuries.
Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and its impact on your life can also be included.
You can recover costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle or other damaged property.
A personal accident lawyer will work to calculate the full scope of the damages and fight for maximum compensation.
Trucking companies typically have strong legal teams and insurers working to minimize their liability. Here’s why hiring an injury lawyer in Edmonton is crucial:
We gather all relevant evidence, including maintenance logs, employment records, and also witness statements, to build a firm case against the trucking company.
Insurance companies may undervalue your claim or attempt to pressure you into a quick settlement. Our team ensures fair negotiations to maximize your compensation.
By demonstrating how the trucking company’s negligence contributed to the accident, we help hold them accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Reach out to our trusted injury lawyer in Edmonton to secure the compensation you deserve and move forward with confidence.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and are considering legal action, understanding who is responsible is a critical first step. Solution Law handles cases involving trucking companies and driver negligence, helping clients navigate the complexities of these claims.
Whether the fault lies with the driver, the company, or both, Solution Law can help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Search for truck accident lawyers near me and find Solution Law to discuss your case and take the first move toward recovering the compensation you deserve.
At Solution Law, Edmonton and Calgary, we strive for excellence across all our legal specialties. With deep industry knowledge and extensive experience, we provide tailored guidance to meet our clients’ unique needs. Our expertise includes aviation, sales, antitrust, corporate law, finance, and more.
