What If a Truck Driver’s Employer Is Also at Fault?

When a truck accident happens on busy Tampa routes like I-275 near the Howard Frankland Bridge or along I-4 through Ybor City, it’s easy to assume the truck driver is the only responsible party. But in many cases, the driver’s employer may also share liability. If you’ve been injured in an employer truck crash in Florida, you may have the right to hold the trucking company accountable for your losses. Talk to a skilled Tampa truck accident lawyer about your potential case today. 

How Employers Can Be Liable in Truck Accidents

A trucking company’s legal responsibility goes beyond simply hiring drivers. Under Florida law, employers must take reasonable steps to ensure their drivers, vehicles, and operations are safe. They can be held liable if they negligently hire or retain unsafe drivers by failing to check for past accidents, DUIs, or safety violations; provide inadequate training by not properly instructing drivers on handling large vehicles, especially in hazardous conditions; or ignore federal or state safety regulations by violating hours-of-service limits, overloading cargo, or skipping vehicle inspections. When these actions contribute to a crash, a victim can sue a Florida trucking company for damages.

Vicarious liability and negligence are the two main legal theories used to hold an employer accountable. Vicarious liability, also known as “respondeat superior,” applies when the driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident. For example, if a driver was delivering goods along US-92 near Seminole Heights and caused a collision, their employer could be held responsible. Direct negligence occurs when the company’s wrongful actions or failures, such as poor vehicle maintenance or unsafe scheduling, contribute to the accident.

Why Employer Fault Matters in a Florida Truck Accident

Trucking companies often have larger insurance policies than individual drivers, meaning a claim against them could secure more compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A knowledgeable Tampa truck accident lawyer will investigate whether the employer’s conduct played a role, which can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

In crashes involving company negligence, settlement values may be higher due to factors such as:

• The company’s history of safety violations.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration audit results.
• Evidence of reckless business practices.

Evidence Used to Prove Employer Liability

Building a strong case to sue a Florida trucking company often involves reviewing detailed records and witness testimony. Common evidence includes:

• Driver qualification files: Employment applications, background checks, and driving records.
• Training logs: Proof of required safety courses and certifications.
• Maintenance reports: Inspection and repair documentation for the truck involved.
• Dispatch and scheduling records: Information that could reveal pressure to drive beyond legal limits.

A legal team may also work with accident reconstruction experts to show how both the driver’s and the employer’s actions caused the crash.

Tampa Roadways with High Truck Traffic

Truck-related crashes are more likely in areas with dense freight movement, including:

• Port Tampa Bay access roads: Heavy shipping traffic increases the risk of collisions with commercial trucks.
• I-75 near Brandon: A major corridor for long-haul trucking routes.
• East Adamo Drive (SR-60): A busy commercial route where truck congestion can be dangerous during peak hours.

When an accident occurs in these areas, investigating employer practices can be critical to recovering full compensation.

Discuss Your Case With a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer

In many truck accidents, the driver is not the only one at fault. If a company’s unsafe hiring, training, or operational practices contributed to your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation through an employer truck crash in Florida claim.

If you were hurt in a crash involving a commercial truck anywhere in Tampa, whether near the Selmon Expressway, the Gandy Bridge, or the intersection of I-4 and I-275, an experienced Tampa truck accident lawyer can help you determine if you can sue a Florida trucking company for your losses.

Call Fulgencio Law at (813) 463-0123 for a free consultation today. We’ll review your case, investigate the trucking company’s role, and fight for the compensation you deserve.