Who Could Be Liable to Compensate You for Your Injuries in an Oilfield Truck Crash?

Because of the growing oil industry around Roswell and throughout New Mexico, it is not uncommon to see oilfield trucks on our roads and highways. Unfortunately, these trucks are often transporting hazardous liquids and heavy equipment and materials.

The consequences of an oilfield truck accident can be even more catastrophic for victims than other truck collisions. If you or a family member suffered injuries in an oilfield truck crash, it is crucial to identify all the potentially liable parties if you want to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Common Causes of Oilfield Truck Collisions

To determine who could be responsible for compensating you for your injuries, it is important to determine the cause of your oilfield truck accident. In some cases, there can be more than one cause—which can mean more parties are liable. Common reasons that these tragic accidents occur include:

• Inexperienced truck drivers
• Speeding
• Drowsy driving
• Distracted driving practices, such as texting, talking on a cell phone, or reading a GPS
• Loads improperly secured
• Lack of truck maintenance
• Defective parts

Liable Parties in Oilfield Truck Accidents

An experienced truck accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your oilfield truck accident and identify the liable parties. This can include the following:

• Truck driver. In most cases, the trucker’s negligent behaviors caused or contributed to the crash.
• Trucking company. The trucking company who hired the truck driver could be vicariously liable for your injuries. In addition, you may have a negligent hiring claim if they hired an unqualified trucker or another claim if their own negligence, such as violations of federal regulations governing the trucking industry, were violated.
• Loader. The shipping company responsible for loading the truck could face responsibility if the load was not properly loaded or secured.
• Truck maintenance facility. Trucking companies have a duty to maintain and repair their oilfield trucks and often contract with truck maintenance facilities to perform this work. If this company failed to inspect or repair the truck and this was the cause of your accident, you should file a claim with their insurance company.
• Manufacturer. The truck and parts manufacturer could face liability if a defective part, such as the tires or brakes, were designed or manufactured improperly, and this caused your collision. You would need to pursue a product liability claim against these manufacturers.

Were you injured in an oilfield truck accident? Our knowledgeable truck accident legal team can determine how your collision was caused and the parties responsible for compensating you for your injuries. Start a live chat or fill out the online form on this page to schedule your free consultation today.