Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident — the Driver or the Company?

Why Liability Matters in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents are among the most serious auto accidents on Georgia roads. Victims are often left with devastating injuries, long recovery times, and overwhelming medical expenses. The key question after any truck crash is simple but crucial: Who is responsible for the damages?

Liability determines who pays for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Georgia, victims typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. The sooner liability is established, the stronger your case will be.

When the Truck Driver Is Liable

Truck drivers can be held personally responsible when their actions directly cause an accident. Common examples include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel 
• Fatigue from ignoring Hours-of-Service rules 
• Speeding or reckless driving 
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol 

If the evidence shows that a driver was negligent, they may be liable for the injuries and damages caused.

When the Trucking Company May Be Liable

In many cases, the trucking company itself bears responsibility for the driver’s negligence under the doctrine of vicarious liability, which holds that employers can be held accountable for the negligent actions of their employees.

Trucking companies may also be independently at fault for:

• Hiring unqualified or unsafe drivers 
• Failing to provide proper training 
• Forcing unrealistic schedules that encourage unsafe driving 
• Neglecting routine vehicle inspections and maintenance 

When companies cut corners to protect their profits, they put innocent drivers at risk.

Other Potentially Liable Parties

Truck accidents can involve multiple responsible parties beyond the driver and the company, such as:

• Cargo loaders who fail to secure or balance loads correctly 
• Maintenance contractors who overlook critical repairs 
• Manufacturers of defective truck parts or equipment 

An experienced attorney will investigate every angle to identify all sources of liability.

How Liability Is Proven in Truck Accident Cases

Proving liability requires a thorough investigation. Evidence often includes:

• Police reports and accident scene photos 
• Black box data from the truck 
• Witness statements 
• Maintenance logs and driver records 

Because trucking companies and their insurers act quickly to limit their liability, victims should never delay in seeking legal guidance.

What Compensation Victims May Recover

Truck accident victims may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs 
• Lost income and future earning potential 
• Pain and suffering 
• Long-term or permanent disability care 

Every case is different, but understanding liability is the first step in securing fair compensation.

Determining liability in a truck accident is rarely simple. It often involves the driver, the trucking company, or multiple third parties. At The Sullivan Law Firm, we know how to stand up to powerful trucking and insurance companies to protect your rights.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Georgia, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Contact The Sullivan Law Firm today for a free consultation and let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.