Most semi-truck collisions are the fault of one of the drivers involved. Someone in a passenger vehicle cuts off an 18-wheeler, or the semi-truck driver fails to properly monitor their surroundings. Other times, it is clear that the transportation company that owns the semi-truck is to blame. Improper vehicle maintenance, inadequate worker training and similar bad business practices could make trucking company liable for the crash.
Occasionally, there may be an outside business that is liable for a semi-truck crash. There are an assortment of scenarios in which outside companies may be to blame for a collision between a passenger vehicle and an 18-wheeler. The three scenarios below are among the most common.
Improperly loaded trailers
Some semi-truck drivers load and unload their trailers at each destination. Many others simply pick up preloaded trailers and haul them to a destination for their clients. In that second arrangement, to load the trailer improperly. Putting more weight on one side of the trailer rather than the other could lead to the trailer tipping over. If there are unstable contents or liquid materials inside the trailer, that could also result in a driver losing control if they are not aware of the situation.
Inappropriate repair and maintenance efforts
Many semi-truck crashes occur due to issues with the vehicle, not driver decisions. Repair and maintenance issues are often the fault of the transportation company or an owner-operator. However, some transportation businesses and self-employed professionals outsource repairs and maintenance to licensed mechanics. If an outside professional or business did a shoddy job repairing the semi-truck or made major mistakes during routine maintenance efforts, a crash could occur because of those professional oversights.
Faulty vehicle components
There are many parts that need to work perfectly for drivers to safely operate semi-trucks. Most of those parts and components come from reputable businesses that design and test products carefully. Issues with product design, raw materials or quality control testing might result in a semi-truck having defective components. If a crash occurs because vehicle components fail, the manufacturer might be liable.
Looking at every possible source of compensation can help people diminish the harm caused by semi-truck collisions. Outside businesses are sometimes liable for major motor vehicle crashes.