Can More Than One Party Be at Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Truck Accident?

Can more than one party be at fault in a multi-vehicle truck accident? Depending on the circumstances of your claim, the short answer is yes. Trucking companies, drivers, other motorists, or parts and vehicle manufacturers could share responsibility.

For example, the trucking company might have ignored safety regulations, the truck driver may have been distracted, and both of those factors contributed to the crash.

Sorting out liability is a complex process, which is why it’s important to have the right support. A Fort Myers truck accident lawyer can help investigate,  determine who’s at fault, and ensure you aren’t unfairly blamed for something that wasn’t your fault. Let’s dive deeper into how fault is determined in these complicated situations.

How Is Fault Determined in a Multi Vehicle Trucking Accident Claim?

Fault determination can be challenging if there are a number of parties involved in a truck crash. Investigators begin by gathering information and following steps to determine who can be held liable.

• Police Report Review: The accident report covers the initial findings, like statements from witnesses and any citations that may have been issued.
• Evidence Analysis: Examining the physical evidence from the accident can help determine fault. Investigators may use skid marks, evidence from the accident scene, and EDR data, for example. 
• Accident Reconstruction: Experts analyze evidence in an attempt to reconstruct how the collision occurred and who can be held liable.
• Witness Interviews: Bystanders and witnesses to the accident can help provide context and information about what they witnessed before, during, and after the crash.

Fault is assigned based on the actions or negligence of each party involved, and in some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility under the principles of comparative negligence. 

A Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can gather and analyze evidence to determine liability and help protect you from false allegations of fault in a crash.

Who Could Be Held Responsible for A Multi-Vehicle Truck Crash?

When multiple vehicles are involved in a truck accident, several parties might be held responsible depending on the circumstances.

The Truck Driver

The driver is typically the first party people look to blame in an accident. The driver may be responsible if they were engaging in distracted driving activities, like eating or texting while driving, or driving while fatigued. 

The driver may also be responsible if they violated traffic rules, federal trucking regulations, or state laws. 

The Trucking Company

So many people are involved in safely operating a tractor-trailer. The trucking company can be held liable if it violates federal regulations, fails to maintain its vehicles properly, or pressures its drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines. 

They may also be responsible if they failed to train their drivers or hired unqualified candidates.

Other Drivers and Motorists

The other drivers involved could have contributed to the crash. Driving recklessly, tailgating, speeding, driving drunk, or failing to obey traffic laws are all considerations.

Parts and Vehicle Manufacturers

If a defective truck part, such as faulty brakes or tires, caused the crash, the manufacturer could also be held liable. 

Each case has unique circumstances. Liability will always depend on the actions or inactions of the parties involved. 

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Determine Fault in a Truck Accident Claim

Sorting out fault in a multi-vehicle trucking accident can be complex, especially when trucking companies and insurers are trying to protect their bottom line. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you by: 

• Conducting a Thorough Investigation: Your lawyer can help gather evidence, analyze the accident, interview witnesses, and hire experts to reconstruct the crash.
• Identifying All Liable Parties: Your attorney will work to identify all the causes of the crash to determine each party that can potentially be held liable.
• Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift the  blame to someone else after a crash. Your attorney can push back against these tactics to ensure you’re treated fairly.
• Protecting You From Unfair Blame: Florida uses a comparative negligence system, so your compensation could be reduced if you’re found to be partially liable. Your lawyer will work to ensure you’re not unfairly blamed for the crash.

Contact a Truck Accident Law Firm for Help After Your Multi-Vehicle Truck Accident

Figuring out who is responsible for a multi-vehicle truck accident can be challenging, especially when multiple people and entities are involved. The blame game can soon become a frustrating situation while you are trying to recover and get back to relative normalcy in your daily life. 

Sorting through all of this requires a detailed investigation and the right legal help. An experienced truck accident lawyer from Viles & Beckman can step in to identify everyone who may be at fault, deal with the insurance companies, and make sure you aren’t unfairly blamed. 

Still wondering what you need to know after a truck accident? A Fort Myers truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life. Contact us today for a free consultation.