Posted on Friday, October 10th, 2025 at 7:27 am
When a commercial truck is involved in a serious collision in Illinois, the driver is often the first person blamed. However, liability in truck accident cases can be far more complex than that. In many situations, it is not just the driver who is responsible, but also the trucking company that hired, trained, or supervised them. Understanding when a company and not just its employee can be held liable is essential for recovering the full compensation you deserve after a crash.
How trucking company liability works
Liability refers to the legal responsibility for causing harm or damage. In trucking cases, company liability often depends on whether the driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash. Suppose they were performing job duties, such as delivering goods or driving a designated route. In that case, the company may be held accountable for their negligence under a legal principle called respondeat superior, which means “let the master answer.”
This rule recognizes that employers benefit from the work their employees perform, and therefore, they must also bear responsibility for harm caused in the course of that work. However, determining whether a driver was an employee or an independent contractor, and whether they were acting within their duties at the time of an accident, can quickly complicate a case.
When the trucking company, not the driver, is at fault
There are many instances in which a trucking company’s own actions or policies directly contribute to a crash. In these cases, the company may be found negligent regardless of the driver’s conduct.
Common examples include:
- Failing to maintain or inspect vehicles properly.
- Hiring unqualified or unlicensed drivers.
- Driving longer than allowed under federal safety rules, leaving drivers exhausted and more likely to make mistakes on the road.
- Neglecting to provide proper training or supervision.
- Overloading trucks or failing to secure cargo correctly.
- Falsifying maintenance or safety records.
Each of these failures increases the likelihood of an accident and demonstrates a company’s disregard for safety standards established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Proving this type of negligence requires careful investigation and documentation.
Why identifying all liable parties matters
Truck accident claims often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the truck’s owner, the manufacturer of any defective parts, and even the cargo loader or maintenance provider. Identifying every potentially liable party is crucial because it can significantly increase the total compensation available to a victim.
For example, if a trucking company pressures its drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, it may share liability with the driver who speeds or drives while fatigued. Similarly, a repair shop or parts manufacturer could also be held responsible if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. A thorough investigation helps ensure that no responsible party escapes accountability.
Damages available in trucking company negligence cases
The term “damages” refers to the financial compensation awarded to victims following an injury or loss. In cases involving trucking company negligence, damages may include both economic and non-economic losses.
These can include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Emotional distress and mental anguish.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Because trucking companies and their insurers often use their extensive resources to minimize or deny claims, working with an experienced personal injury attorney helps level the playing field and protect your right to fair compensation.
How Wallace Miller investigates trucking company negligence
At Wallace Miller, our experienced chicago truck accident lawyers know how to uncover the truth behind serious crashes. We carefully review driver logs, GPS data, maintenance records, and company policies to determine whether negligence played a role. When needed, we consult with qualified professionals to build a clear, detailed understanding of what happened and the full impact on our clients.
We handle communication and negotiation with trucking companies and their insurance carriers, allowing clients to focus on recovery while we pursue justice on their behalf.
Contact Wallace Miller for help after a truck accident
If you were injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, do not assume the driver is the only one responsible. Their trucking company may share blame, and your right to compensation could depend on proving it. Speak with a Chicago truck accident lawyer at Wallace Miller by calling 331-425-8022 or reaching us online to arrange your free, no-obligation case evaluation.