At Fiol & Morros Law Group, we know that figuring out who is liable in a commercial truck accident is rarely simple. A truck accident can cause devastating injuries, high medical bills, and lost wages for victims. Liability often extends beyond just the truck driver, involving several parties such as the trucking company, manufacturers, and even cargo loaders. Our experienced truck accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties. By holding each responsible party accountable, we strive to secure fair compensation for our clients.
In most commercial truck accident cases, the truck driver is the first person investigators look to for information. Drivers of large commercial trucks are required to follow strict state and federal regulations. When they ignore these rules, accidents involving passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers can cause catastrophic harm. Still, the driver’s actions often reveal deeper problems with the trucking company that employs them.
Truck drivers are required to follow federal regulations that promote public safety. Violations of Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules, which limit the amount of time drivers can be on the road, are common in the trucking industry. When a driver skips rest or drives while fatigued, they can lose control of the semi-truck, potentially causing a major crash. Distracted driving, speeding, and improper lane changes are also frequent causes of accidents.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can make the driver personally liable and expose the company to more claims. In these cases, proving liability requires evidence like company records, electronic logs, and police reports. As truck accident attorneys, we investigate every detail to show whether the truck driver failed to follow proper training or federal regulations. If the evidence shows the driver broke the law, they can be held accountable, along with their employer.
In many truck accident lawsuits, the trucking company is the most financially responsible party. Under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability, employers can be held liable for the negligence of their employees or agents. Furthermore, companies themselves may act negligently, creating unsafe conditions that directly lead to accidents. That is why our legal team investigates both the driver and the company in every truck accident claim.
Trucking companies must adhere to industry regulations when hiring and training their drivers. Failing to conduct proper background checks, ignoring driving history, or keeping unsafe drivers on the road creates serious risks. If a driver with a record of DUIs or reckless driving is hired without proper review, the company could be liable. In some cases, companies hire independent contractors but fail to check their qualifications or provide adequate oversight.
Improper or inadequate training can also make a company legally responsible. Truck drivers who do not receive proper instruction on handling big rigs, loading cargo, or safety rules are more likely to cause crashes. When companies fail in these duties, we hold them accountable in truck accident cases. Our goal is to show how the trucking company’s actions—or inaction—caused devastating injuries to accident victims.
In the trucking industry, time is money, and many companies push their drivers to meet strict deadlines. Some employers pressure drivers to skip required rest periods, drive beyond legal limits, or falsify logbooks. This culture of cutting corners puts everyone on the road at risk. When schedules are unrealistic, truck drivers may speed, disregard weather conditions, or take unnecessary risks to meet delivery deadlines.
If an accident occurs under these conditions, the trucking company can be held liable for encouraging unsafe practices. Company records, driver statements, and electronic logging devices often provide the evidence needed to prove liability. At Fiol & Morros, we know how to uncover this information during a thorough investigation. By proving these violations, we build strong truck accident claims that hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
When a commercial truck accident happens, liability is rarely limited to the truck driver or motor carrier. A thorough investigation often reveals multiple parties who share some degree of fault. To recover compensation for the full value of your losses, it is critical to identify every defendant. At Fiol & Morros Law Group, our personal injury lawyers dig deep to determine liability and hold all negligent parties responsible.
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo is a leading cause of trucking accidents. When a trailer is overloaded or cargo shifts during transit, the driver can lose control of the vehicle. This can lead to jackknifes, rollovers, or crashes involving other vehicles on the road. In such situations, the shipper or loading company may be held responsible for failing to follow safety regulations.
We review loading records, weigh station data, and company documents to show negligence. Our legal team also works with experts to recreate how the load contributed to the accident. If cargo loaders cut corners, we fight to hold them accountable. This ensures injury victims, or the loved ones of someone killed in a crash, can seek compensation for medical bills, missed work, and emotional distress.
Many commercial trucks on the road are not owned by the motor carrier that operates them. Trucking company leases and rental agreements can create complex liability questions. If the owner of a truck failed to provide proper maintenance, they may share responsibility for an accident. A leasing company that allows unsafe vehicles on the road could also be held liable.
These cases often involve multiple defendants and require a careful review of company records. By conducting background checks and reviewing agreements, we identify every liable party. Whether it is the carrier, the owner, or other trucking companies, we pursue each one to maximize compensation. Our legal representation ensures that victims have strong legal options and the best chance at a fair settlement.
Sometimes, a commercial truck crash occurs because of a failed part. Defective brakes, worn tires, or faulty steering systems can cause catastrophic accidents. When this occurs, the truck manufacturer or parts supplier may be held legally responsible. Mechanics and repair shops that fail to perform proper maintenance may also be liable.
We handle product liability claims against companies that put unsafe equipment on the road. At the same time, we investigate repair shops to see if negligent work contributed to the crash. These cases require technical evidence, expert testimony, and thorough investigation. With our legal team, victims receive strong representation to hold manufacturers and repair companies accountable. By proving liability, we help clients recover compensation for their medical costs, property damage, and future needs.
Proving liability in a commercial truck accident takes fast and detailed action. Evidence can disappear quickly, and trucking companies or their insurance company may try to protect themselves. At Fiol & Morros Law Group, we act promptly to preserve evidence before it is lost. Investigations determine whether one or more parties are to blame, from the driver to the company or even a third party. Our goal is to build a strong case that allows victims to recover full compensation.
Commercial trucks carry vital electronic data that can reveal what happened before a crash. The truck’s black box, also called an Electronic Control Module (ECM), records speed, braking, and engine hours. Electronic logbooks (ELDs) track the duration of a driver's time on the road, helping us identify hours-of-service violations. Truck maintenance records are also key, as poor upkeep often leads to failures that cause serious accidents.
We move fast to secure this information by sending spoliation letters to the trucking company and other liable parties. These legal notices force them to preserve black box data, logs, and maintenance records. Without immediate action, companies might delete or alter records to avoid being held responsible. Our legal team uses this evidence to prove negligence and hold all responsible parties accountable. With strong proof, we can push for a fair settlement and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
What is the most common cause of commercial truck accidents?
Driver error is a leading cause, often tied to fatigue, distraction, or poor training.
How long do trucking companies keep data from black boxes and logs?
Often, only for a short period, sometimes as long as six months. Lawyers must act fast to preserve it.
Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was an independent contractor?
Yes, if the company controlled how the contractor worked, it may still be held liable.
What if a mechanical failure caused the accident?
Liability may fall on the company for poor truck maintenance, or on a mechanic or manufacturer.
How is liability different in a truck accident vs. a car accident?
Truck accidents often involve federal regulations, multiple defendants, and substantial insurance policies.
What if I were partially at fault for the truck accident?
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, you may still recover damages, reduced by your fault percentage. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Truck accidents are complex, involving multiple parties who may be held responsible. To recover compensation, you need experienced legal representation that understands how to stand up to trucking companies and their insurers. At Fiol & Morros Law Group, we fight to hold negligent drivers, companies, and other liable parties accountable. We know how to gather evidence and push for the full value of your claim.
Do not deal with an aggressive insurance company on your own. Contact us for a free consultation and let us review your case. Our legal team will explain your legal options and create a strategy tailored to your situation. With us on your side, you can focus on recovery while we handle the fight for fair compensation.
