Who’s Liable After a Big Rig Crash in Columbus? Driver, Company, or Manufacturer?
Often, collisions involving big rigs result in devastating injuries, complex investigations, and difficult questions about who is responsible. In Columbus, Georgia, where I-185 and Route 27 see heavy truck traffic, determining liability in a truck crash is one of the most important parts of pursuing justice.
If you’ve been hurt in one of these accidents, you need a knowledgeable big rig accident lawyer in Columbus, GA, to help you navigate this process and hold the right party accountable.
Why Liability in Truck Accidents Is More Complicated
Unlike typical passenger vehicle collisions, commercial truck crashes often involve multiple parties. A driver may have made an error, but that mistake might have been caused by employer policies, a defect in the truck, or poor maintenance. Sorting through this web of potential liability is essential for building a strong commercial vehicle injury claim.
Truck accidents also require more evidence, including:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Driver history and training records
- Manufacturer recalls or defect reports
Without quick legal action, some of this evidence can be lost or destroyed. That’s why it’s critical to consult with a Columbus, GA, trucking attorney as soon as possible.
Potentially Liable Parties in a Columbus Truck Crash
1. The Truck Driver
In many cases, the truck driver is the most obvious source of liability. A negligent truck driver lawsuit might be filed if the driver was speeding, fatigued, distracted, under the influence, or violating hours-of-service rules.
Common examples of driver negligence include:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Tailgating or erratic lane changes
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Falling asleep at the wheel
When a driver’s choices directly lead to a crash, they can be held personally responsible. However, when the driver is working for a company, the analysis doesn’t stop there.
2. The Trucking Company
A trucking company may be liable for the actions of its driver under a legal theory known as “respondeat superior, meaning employers are responsible for employees acting within the scope of their job. But the company can also be directly liable if it engaged in negligent practices itself.
These can include:
- Failing to conduct proper background checks
- Hiring unqualified or untrained drivers
- Pressuring drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits
- Skipping regular vehicle maintenance
In some cases, trucking companies also manipulate records or violate federal trucking regulations. A skilled Columbus, GA, trucking attorney can help identify these violations and pursue justice on behalf of the injured party.
3. The Truck Manufacturer or Parts Supplier
Sometimes, a crash is caused not by the actions of a driver or employer but by a mechanical failure. If a defective component contributed to the crash—such as brake failure, a tire blowout, or a steering system defect—the truck parts manufacturer could be liable under product liability law.
These cases require in-depth investigation and often rely on expert testimony. A truck parts defect injury claim might focus on the following:
- Design flaws
- Poor manufacturing quality
- Lack of warnings or instructions for proper use
Establishing liability in these cases involves tracing the origin of the defect and linking it directly to the cause of the crash. These are technically complex cases, but Butler Prather LLP has the resources and legal experience to handle them effectively.
4. Cargo Loaders and Maintenance Providers
In some cases, third parties like cargo loaders or maintenance contractors could also be liable. Improperly loaded freight can shift in transit and cause a rollover or jackknife. Maintenance crews may overlook or mishandle critical safety checks, leading to mechanical failure on the road.
Your legal team can look at all contracts and logs associated with the truck and its journey to identify every party who might share in the responsibility.
What Victims Can Recover in a Truck Accident Liability Claim
Once liability is established, victims can pursue compensation through a commercial vehicle injury claim. This may include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
The value of these claims can be significant, especially in cases involving catastrophic injury. However, insurance companies will often try to deflect blame or settle quickly for less than the claim is worth. That’s why having a proven big rig accident lawyer in Columbus, GA, can make all the difference.
How Butler Prather LLP Can Help
Our firm has over three decades of experience handling complex truck accident cases, including those involving some of the largest trucking companies and manufacturers in the country. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial and are known for our relentless attention to detail.
Butler Prather LLP has secured more than ten verdicts over $100 million and served as lead counsel in class action cases that resulted in over $349 million in recoveries. We understand the mechanics of these crashes, the regulations that govern the industry, and the tactics insurance companies use to avoid liability.
When you choose Butler Prather LLP, you’re not just getting a Columbus, GA, trucking attorney—you’re getting a dedicated legal team with national experience and a local commitment to justice.
Contact a Big Rig Accident Lawyer in Columbus, GA
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck crash, do not wait to reach out to a firm. Evidence fades and companies move quickly to protect themselves. We can help you identify every liable party and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Call Butler Prather LLP today at (706) 322-1990 to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to listen, investigate, and advocate on your behalf.