Who should pay in a commercial truck accident?

Determining liability in an accident can be a complicated endeavor. This is especially the case when it comes to those involving commercial trucks. Some trucks haul heavy loads of material or goods. Others are built to help workers perform specific services. And, the more equipment and products involved, the more entities that may be liable. If you suffered an injury in a commercial truck accident, understand that it is not always the driver’s insurance—or their company insurance—that must pay.

Third-party issues

If a product or material is found to be the ultimate cause of the accident, it may be that the shipper of that load is liable for the trucking accident. It is also possible that another individual mishandled or improperly loaded the truck, failing to adhere to company guidelines or even Florida state regulations.

Independent contractors

Furthermore, if the driver of the truck is an independent contractor and is found to be at fault, you will likely not be able to seek damages from the company for which the driver hauled but from the driver his/herself.

Other drivers may be at fault

There are also other drivers to consider. While some evidence may show partial fault from the commercial driver, there are numerous ways other vehicles may have had an influence on the wreck and, therefore, your injuries. For example, maybe a vehicle ahead of you was speeding and hit the truck driver’s blind spot or no-zone, causing the vehicle to jackknife.