Who is liable in an accident with a Penske truck? The liable party could include the driver, the company, the manufacturer of the truck, or more. Determining fault in a Penske truck accident depends on several factors, including whether the driver was renting the truck for personal use or operating it for a business.
If you were injured, a Salt Lake City Penske truck accident lawyer can work tirelessly to identify the responsible party and secure the compensation you deserve.
When the Penske Truck Driver is Liable
If you were injured in an accident with a Penske truck, the driver may be responsible for your damages. Speeding, reckless driving, fatigue, and failure to check blind spots are some of the most common driver-related causes of these accidents. If the driver was under the influence or ignored traffic laws, you may have grounds to file a claim against them.
Some Penske truck drivers are inexperienced and may not know how to safely operate a large vehicle. Misjudging stopping distances, making unsafe lane changes, or failing to adjust for road conditions can cause serious accidents. If driver error led to your crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Liability in an accident with a Penske truck depends on whether the driver was using the truck for personal or business purposes. If the truck was rented for personal use, the driver’s auto insurance may apply.
However, if the truck was used for commercial purposes, your Salt Lake City moving truck accident lawyer may be able to hold the company that hired the driver responsible for your injuries.
For a free legal consultation, call (801) 266-0999
When Penske May Be Liable for a Truck Accident
If a Penske rental truck was involved in your accident, Penske may be liable if the company failed to maintain the vehicle properly or rented it to an unqualified driver.
Rental companies have a legal duty to ensure that their trucks are in safe working condition before allowing customers to take them on the road. If Penske rented out a truck with known mechanical issues or failed to verify that the driver had the proper experience, the company could be responsible for your injuries.
Your Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer can investigate whether Penske’s negligence played a role in your crash. Rental companies must keep detailed records of vehicle inspections, maintenance schedules, and prior accident reports.
If Penske ignored signs of wear and tear, skipped inspections, or failed to repair known defects, their negligence may be a direct cause of the accident.
Penske may also be liable if the company did not disclose vehicle defects or allowed a driver to rent a truck despite warning signs of inexperience. Large trucks require specialized driving skills, and renting a commercial-sized vehicle to someone without proper training can increase the risk of serious crashes.
If Penske failed to implement reasonable safety measures when renting out a truck, you may have grounds to hold the company accountable for your damages.
Mechanical Failures and Improper Maintenance
If a truck malfunction caused your accident, the rental company or maintenance provider may be liable. Worn-out brakes, engine malfunctions, tire blowouts, and faulty steering systems can make it impossible for a driver to control the vehicle.
If Penske or a third-party repair shop failed to properly maintain the truck, they may be responsible for the damages.
Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 484D, all vehicles, including rental trucks, must be properly maintained to ensure they are safe for road use.
If Penske or a maintenance provider failed to perform necessary inspections or repairs, you may have grounds for a claim. Proving that the crash resulted from mechanical failure often requires expert testimony and a thorough review of maintenance logs.
Some truck accidents involve defective parts that fail under normal driving conditions. If a manufacturing defect contributed to the crash, the parts manufacturer may be responsible for your injuries.
Determining whether the issue was caused by improper maintenance or a defective component is critical to ensuring that the correct parties are held accountable.
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When a Third Party Could Be Responsible
Not all Penske truck accidents are caused by the driver or the rental company. In some cases, a third party may be responsible for your crash, such as a cargo loading company, a negligent driver, or a parts manufacturer. Some of the most common third parties who could be sued include:
- Negligent loading companies – Cargo that is improperly loaded or unsecured can shift during transport, making the truck harder to control. Unbalanced loads increase the risk of rollovers, jackknife accidents, and tire blowouts.
- Other reckless drivers – A driver who cuts off a Penske truck, tailgates, or makes an unsafe lane change can cause the truck driver to swerve or brake suddenly. Sudden maneuvers can lead to multi-vehicle collisions or cause the truck to jackknife.
- Parts manufacturers – Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires can cause a driver to lose control. If a faulty part contributed to your crash, the manufacturer may be held responsible for your damages.
- Maintenance providers – If a third-party repair shop failed to properly inspect or repair the truck, they may share liability. Poor maintenance can result in brake failure, engine malfunctions, or tire blowouts that lead to serious accidents.
- Government entities – Poorly maintained roads, missing traffic signs, or hazardous construction zones can contribute to truck accidents. In cases involving dangerous road conditions, a government agency responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
Your Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer can investigate the details of your crash to determine whether a third party played a role. Holding all responsible parties accountable is critical to recovering the full compensation you are entitled to receive.
Identifying every liable party can also help maximize financial recovery, especially if one defendant does not have adequate insurance to cover the full extent of your damages.
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Meet with a Penske Truck Accident Lawyer in Salt Lake City for Help Today
Figuring out who is liable in an accident with a Penske truck can be complex, but you do not have to fight for compensation alone. Siegfried & Jensen can investigate your case, determine liability, and fight for the financial recovery you need.
Call our office or complete our secure contact form to schedule your free consultation with a legal advocate as soon as today.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form