All You Need to Know About Third-Party Liability in Commercial Truck Accidents

When a commercial truck accident happens, many people automatically think the truck driver or company is to blame entirely. In reality, liability can be far more complex. Third-party liability refers to a case in which a separate person or business besides the one directly controlling and operating the truck also bears some of the blame for causing the accident. 

These parties can go anywhere from a vehicle parts manufacturer to a cargo loader company, or even a road maintenance government agency. Since commercial trucks are such large vehicles that can cause serious injury, it is essential to get help from a commercial truck accident lawyer to hold the responsible party accountable.

Here is everything you need to know about third-party liability.

What Is Third-Party Liability

Third-party liability occurs when a third party is responsible for a portion of the truck accident. These parties are neither the truck driver nor their employer, but still play a role in causing the incident. For instance, if a parts manufacturer produces a defective brake system that causes a car accident, the manufacturer may be held partially to blame.

Who Can Be Considered a Third Party

Typically, several parties outside the trucking company may be involved, such as:

• A truck parts manufacturer that produces defective tires, brakes, or steering systems
• Independent maintenance or repair shops
• Cargo loading companies overloading or not securing freight
• Other motorists who create chain reaction accidents
• Government agencies that do not keep roadways safe

Uncovering all parties may necessitate an investigation by accident reconstruction specialists and lawyers alike.

How Is Fault Determined?

In a third-party liability case, the determination of fault requires establishing a direct correlation between some form of negligence on the part of an outside party and the accident in question.

Determining if a mechanical failure, maintenance, or other error is involved can be proven by witness statements and expert testimony. However, the result is heavily shaped by the relevant state laws, with some jurisdictions following contributory negligence rules that may bar recovery for injured victims.

Why Does Third-Party Liability Matter for Victims

Third-party liability raises the limit on how much accident victims can be compensated. Truck accidents often result in high medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs due to severe injuries suffered. If only one party is held responsible, available insurance coverage might not fully cover these costs.

However, third parties being introduced to a claim could result in multiple insurance policies and larger settlements to compensate the victims more comprehensively. This approach ensures all negligent actors are held accountable, not just the truck driver.

Takeaways

After a commercial truck crash, third-party liability is often the only means of recovering anything other than minor damages. The crash may have been due to a third party (manufacturer, maintenance provider, or other government agency), and this has significant implications for the success of your claim. Determining every party who ought to be pursued for potential liability means victims are more likely to get all the financial help necessary to put their lives back together.