Who pays for the costs of a semi-truck collision?

Semi-trucks are much more difficult to drive than passenger vehicles. The professionals operating semi-trucks have to undergo special courses and obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to be eligible to haul commercial loads.

The vehicles themselves can cost as much as a starter home in some cases and require regular maintenance to comply with safety regulations. Despite strict federal standards and state traffic laws, crashes between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles occur thousands of times every year. Many of those crashes result in major financial expenses and serious injuries for those affected. They may lose income and face financial hardship as a result.

Who typically has financial responsibility for the costs generated by a semi-truck collision?

Fault influences financial responsibility

Typically, the party at fault for a crash has financial responsibility for its consequences. If the collision occurs because of something that the commercial driver does or an issue with the semi-truck, then the bigger vehicle is likely to blame for the collision.

In that scenario, the people affected by the crash may have several options available to them. Semi-trucks typically need commercial insurance policies with at least $750,000 of liability coverage. Occasionally, the driver may also be liable, especially if they did something overtly illegal, like driving while under the influence.

In many cases, their employer may be liable for collision expenses. Vicarious liability rules generally make businesses responsible for the consequences of employee negligence. Company policies and a failure to maintain fleet vehicles can also potentially make a commercial transportation company liable for collision expenses.

Occasionally, outside parties may have a degree of liability for a commercial truck crash. Vehicle or component manufacturers may be liable when defective products contribute to the crash. The businesses that hire semi-trucks to transport goods and materials could also be liable in scenarios where the crash occurs because of an improperly-loaded trailer.

Determining fault for a collision and exploring who may have a degree of liability are both important steps when seeking compensation after a semi-truck crash. Those who sustain injuries or lose loved ones may need assistance as they prepare for a complex insurance claim or possibly civil litigation. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to get started.