Who Can Be Held Liable in a Logging Truck Accident?
Logging truck accidents are hazardous accidents often based on the driver’s negligence. Because truckers who drive logging trucks often drive for logging companies, the companies are generally liable for any ensuing logging truck accidents. If the logging truck driver who caused you to be injured is an independent operator, you’ll likely file your claim with their insurance provider. The losses you experience in a logging truck accident are so significant that you shouldn’t wait to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney in Pawleys Island.
Logging Is an Exceptionally Dangerous Industry
Logging is considered one of the most dangerous industries, including driving logging trucks. Fully loaded logging trucks are so massive, heavy, and unwieldy that logging truck accidents pack an outsized impact that puts the occupants of the other vehicles involved at immense risk.
Truck Drivers Are Held to More Exacting Legal Standards
Truck drivers are professional, and the law implements harsher rules and regulations. For example, there are careful hours-of-service regulations designed to keep drowsy truckers off the road. Further, those who drive logging trucks are just as susceptible to the usual forms of driver negligence behind the wheel, but the effects are much more dangerous.
Some of the most common forms of driver negligence include the following:
- Impairment
- Exhaustion
- Excess speed
- Aggression
- Failure to follow industry safety standards, including faithfully attending to all required truck maintenance
- Failure to follow the rules of the road
- Distraction
The Logging Company
The logging company that employs the truck driver can be held directly or indirectly responsible for any logging truck accidents. For example, if the trucker’s negligence caused the accident that left you injured, you’ll file your claim with the logging company’s insurance provider.
Sometimes, however, logging companies are found directly responsible for ensuing accidents, including when any of the following apply to the logging company:
- Failing to hire safe truck drivers who meet the legal requirements
- Neglecting to enforce the required safety standards concerning their fleet of rigs or to their drivers
- Pushing their drivers to put in more time behind the wheel than is legal or safe
- Failing to implement careful truck-maintenance protocols
When logging companies are found to be directly responsible for truck accidents, it’s generally because they prioritize profits over safety.
Get The Compensation You Deserve
Suppose you’re injured in a logging truck accident caused by negligence by the trucker, the logging company, or both. In that case, you can seek compensation for the full extent of your legal damages in each of the following essential categories:
- Property damage to your vehicle and its contents
- Current and ongoing medical bills
- Lost earnings
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
Reach Out to an Experienced Pawleys Island Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The dedicated Pawleys Island, SC, truck accident attorneys at Oxner & Stacy Law Firm have an imposing track record for successfully guiding challenging logging truck accident claims toward favorable resolutions, and we encourage you to reach out for the help you need. Your recovery is important, so please get in touch with us online or call 843-612-8715 for more information today.