If a Maryland truck accident is caused by a truck driver while driving a truck owned by their employer, it is possible that the employer will be liable for injuries that result from the crash. The employer may be liable based on its own actions—like failing to fix a broken truck or secure a load, for example—or based on vicarious liability.
What Is Vicarious Liability?
Vicarious liability refers to the liability of a person or entity based on their relationship to another person or entity that acted wrongfully. The party that is vicariously liable for another’s actions does not have to have acted wrongfully in order to be held liable. Often, vicarious liability arises out of an employer-employee relationship. If an employee causes an accident while acting within the scope of the employee’s employment, the employer generally is liable for the employee’s negligent actions. This means that the employer is liable for any damages that result because of the employee’s negligent actions. Acting within the scope of employment generally means acting in furtherance of the employer’s business and while carrying out an act authorized by the employer. But whether an employee was acting within the scope of employment is normally a question that a jury must decide.
Employers are often sued based on vicarious liability because they often have more financial resources than individual employees who may not be able to pay for the extent of the damages alleged in a case. In Maryland, an employer can be sued even if the employee is not sued. Though whether an employee-employer relationship exists is not always obvious. Employers may argue that a person was an independent contractor rather than an employee. In that case, courts will often look at a variety of factors including how the person was hired, how they were paid, and whether the employer could control the way the employee carried out the work.
Unsecured Load on Truck Causes Fatal Crash
An unsecured load on a truck recently caused a fatal crash on a recent Wednesday morning. According to one news source, a semi-tractor trailer was traveling on a highway carrying a steel coil at around 6:20 in the morning when the coil became unsecured. The coil fell into the oncoming lane of traffic and hit a Ford Edge vehicle. The driver of the Ford Edge died at the scene of the crash. The tractor-trailer was owned by Total Package Express Inc. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Contact a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Truck Accident Claim
A successful injury case after a Maryland truck accident requires an experienced injury attorney. The law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC has the experience and the skills to competently and effectively handle Maryland truck accident cases. They have been fighting for the rights of accident victims and their families for years. They treat each client with the personal attention that they deserve, taking the time to listen to each client’s unique situation and tailor a plan to meet their needs. To schedule a free consultation, call 800-654-1949 or contact them online via their contact form.