Accidents involving big rigs and vicarious liability

Few vehicle accidents are more frightening than a crash with an 18-wheeler.

If you are the victim of a collision with a massive truck, who is responsible for your injuries? Will vicarious liability play a role in the compensation you deserve?

Big rigs and crashes

One of the major causes of big rig crashes is overloaded cargo that is prone to shift, causing the truck to be off-balance and difficult to handle. Overloaded cargo also causes wear and tear on tires, axles and other components, and forces the need for longer braking distances. This is especially dangerous when the truck is traveling down an incline.

About vicarious liability

In the case of a truck-car collision, the term “vicarious liability” means that you as the injured victim can hold more than one party responsible for the crash. For example, liability might include not only the driver of the truck but also their employer. Liability could also pass to a manufacturing company if the crash resulted from a defective part. If the accident resulted from overloaded cargo, the company or individual that loaded the truck could also bear responsibility for the crash.

The importance of investigation

Since a number of trucking issues can lead to vicarious liability following a collision, it is essential that advocates for the injured victim conduct a thorough investigation of the crash as soon as possible. If you suffered a serious injury, it could mean months if not years of medical treatment. Financial compensation through vicarious liability may come into play. You have a right to expect a full and fair settlement to cover your current and future medical expenses and more.