When a truck accident occurs on Illinois roadways, the aftermath can be devastating. Determining who is legally responsible is often more complicated than in a typical car accident. Multiple parties may share liability, and identifying them is essential for building a strong personal injury claim. At Halliday McCall, we assist individuals in Peoria and surrounding areas in seeking compensation after serious truck crashes.



Potentially Liable Parties in a Truck Accident

1. The Truck Driver
The truck driver is often the first party examined after a crash. If the driver was fatigued, distracted, speeding, or under the influence, they can be held responsible. Violations of federal hours-of-service regulations or other safety rules can also indicate negligence.

2. The Trucking Company
If the truck driver was acting within the scope of their employment, the trucking company could be liable for their actions. In some cases, trucking companies are also at fault for negligent hiring practices, lack of proper training, or failure to maintain vehicles.

3. The Truck Owner
In cases where the truck is owned by a separate entity, that party may be responsible for maintenance issues or defects in the vehicle that contributed to the accident.

4. Cargo Loaders or Shipping Companies
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit and cause an accident. When this happens, the company responsible for loading the truck may share liability.

5. Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
If a defective part, such as faulty brakes or tires, played a role in the crash, the manufacturer of that part may be held accountable under product liability laws.

6. Government Entities
When unsafe road conditions, poor signage, or faulty traffic signals contribute to a truck accident, a local or state government agency could potentially be held liable.

Why Identifying the Liable Parties Matters

Determining who is responsible is critical to recovering full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In many cases, there may be more than one liable party, which can increase the amount of compensation available through multiple insurance policies.

At Halliday McCall, we conduct thorough investigations to uncover every possible source of liability and work to hold each responsible party accountable.