Employers’ Liability For Trucking Accidents

Sean Reynolds, a Texas resident, recently filed a lawsuit against the employer of a truck driver for the negligence of its employee. The lawsuit claims that the driver caused a truck accident, which tragically killed Reynolds’ three family members and left him injured.

The lawsuit accuses the truck driver, who also died in the accident, of acting negligently by losing control of the semi-tractor trailer, causing the truck to cross the median, enter oncoming traffic and collide head-on with the car carrying the plaintiff’s family. The truck continued on to crash into another car and an adjacent semi-tractor trailer.

Employer Liability for Employee Negligence

This lawsuit draws attention to the question of whether an employer is liable for the negligent actions of its employees when such behavior causes harm to third parties. In general, employers may be held liable for damages caused by their employees. However, an employer’s liability is generally limited to instances when the harm was caused by the employee while acting within the scope of employment.

In Texas, this principle applies when an employer requires an employee to operate a car, truck or other motor vehicle while performing the duties of his or her job. In the Reynolds case, the truck driver was clearly operating the truck as a requirement of his job. If the court finds that the driver acted negligently, the trucking company can be held liable for the damages caused by the truck driver’s negligence.

An Attorney Can Help

It is the legal responsibility of trucking companies and other employers to ensure that their employees perform their jobs without causing harm to other parties. However, sometimes, in pursuit of greater profits, employers neglect their legal duties and fail to instill the need for safety in their employees. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a truck or other motor vehicle, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you on your rights and help you seek compensation from the responsible parties.