Multi-Party Liability in San Diego
Truck accidents are among the most catastrophic collisions on California roads. Because of their massive size and heavy loads, commercial trucks cause devastating injuries—and determining who is responsible is rarely simple. Unlike a typical car crash, truck accident liability often involves multiple parties, overlapping duties, various state and federal regulations, company policies and procedures, trucking standards, and layers of corporate relationships. Learn more about multi-party liability.
Understanding who can be held liable is essential to securing full compensation. At Jassim Law, we uncover all responsible parties, build a compelling evidence-based case, and fight aggressively for the justice our clients deserve.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all potential liable parties in a truck accident case.
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The Truck Driver
Truck drivers are usually the first focus in any accident investigation. A driver may be held liable if they were:
- Distracted or texting
- Fatigued or violating federal hours-of-service rules
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding or driving recklessly
- Tailgating or making unsafe turns
- Failing to secure cargo
- Improper loading/securing of cargo
- Ignoring road, traffic, or weather conditions
Even if the truck driver made a mistake, liability often extends beyond them—especially when they are employed by or contracted with a commercial carrier.
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The Trucking Company
Trucking companies can be held liable under multiple legal theories, including:
- Negligent hiring, training, or supervision
Did the company hire an unqualified driver? Did they push unsafe delivery deadlines? Did they properly train the driver? Did they fail to provide well maintained or safe equipment?
- Vicarious liability
Employers are responsible for the acts of their employees performed during the course of employment.
- Safety violations
Companies may be liable for:
- Discouraging rest breaks
- Incentivizing prompt delivery and profits over public safety
- Requiring unrealistic and unsafe delivery schedules
- Ignoring driver logs and regulatory requirements
- Failing to inspect vehicles
- Allowing unsafe or poorly maintained trucks on the road
- Failing to make needed and costly repairs, putting public safety at risk
Trucking companies often fight hard to avoid being named in claims—they know their exposure is high. Jassim Law conducts thorough investigations to make sure they are held accountable when their negligence contributed to your injuries.
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The Truck Owner
Many trucks are owned by a third party and leased to a carrier. If the owner failed to:
- Maintain brakes
- Replace worn tires
- Keep the truck in safe working order
- Comply with inspection and maintenance regulations…they may share liability for the accident.
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The Cargo Loading Company
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo is a major cause of truck crashes. Shifting cargo can destabilize a trailer, causing rollover or jackknife accidents.
A cargo loading company may be liable if they:
- Overloaded the truck
- Failed to secure cargo correctly
- Ignored weight distribution rules
- Used defective straps or tie-downs
Because cargo companies are often subcontracted, their negligence may not be obvious without a deep, experienced investigation.
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Truck or Part Manufacturers
If a mechanical failure contributed to the accident, liability may extend to the manufacturer of the:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Steering components
- Engine parts
- Coupling devices
- Trailer systems
Defective parts may lead to product liability claims, which typically do not require proving negligence—only that the product was defective and contributed to the crash.
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Maintenance and Repair Contractors
Truck fleets routinely use third-party mechanics and repair shops. If a negligent repair—such as failing to tighten bolts, ignoring worn brakes, or misdiagnosing mechanical issues—caused the accident, these contractors can also be named in the claim.
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Government Entities
In some cases, poorly maintained roads, missing signage, damaged guardrails, or dangerous roadway design may have contributed to the crash. Government entities may be liable if their negligence caused or worsened the accident.
Because claims against government agencies follow strict deadlines, victims should contact a lawyer immediately.
Why Multi-Party Liability Matters
Truck accident cases often involve multiple defendants, and identifying all responsible parties is critical because:
- More liability sources = larger compensation available
- Justice requires all parties that share responsibility to held accountable
- Trucking companies often have multiple layers of insurance
- Some defendants may try to deny responsibility or blame others
- Evidence must be preserved quickly before it is destroyed or altered
The more thorough the investigation, the stronger and more valuable the claim.
How Jassim Law Helps Truck Accident Victims
Jassim Law has a powerful track record representing victims of complex truck accident cases throughout San Diego and Southern California. Our approach is aggressive, meticulous, and client-focused.
Beyond this, we pride ourselves on holding the trucking industry accountable for safety lapses, in turn, this causes companies to be more careful, prioritize safety over profits, and makes our community and public roadways safer for everyone.
Our firm provides:
- Comprehensive Investigations
We secure driver logs, black-box data, truck telematics, maintenance records, company policies, surveillance footage, witness statements, and expert analysis.
- Multi-Party Liability Strategy
We identify every possible defendant to maximize compensation—from the driver to the trucking company, to manufacturers and government entities.
- Expertise in Federal & State Trucking Regulations
We understand the FMCSA rules and California trucking laws that govern commercial carriers. These rules are much more intricate and complex that the typical vehicle code governing passenger vehicles. Such regulations are intended to make trucking as safe as possible for everyone.
- Trial-Ready Representation
We build every case as if it will go to trial. Insurance companies know we fight hard—often leading to stronger settlements.
- Personalized, Compassionate Advocacy
We understand the life-altering consequences of truck accidents and fiercely advocate for our clients’ financial, physical, and emotional recovery.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Act Now! Contact Jassim Law Today.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation from multiple responsible parties. Jassim Law has the experience, resources, and determination to uncover the truth and fight for full justice.
Schedule a free consultation today. Let Jassim Law stand up for you.
Act Now! Contact Jassim Law an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Diego today at (858) 524‑6140 or visit their website for a free case evaluation. With no upfront fees, strong local expertise, and a proven record.