What Is the Liability of a Broker in a Trucking Accident?

The main job of a trucking/freight broker is to help a shipper find someone who has the skills to transport the load. The broker works connects the shipper with the company that hauls the load. The broker should monitor the delivery, so the shipper (the company with the responsibility for sending the load) is informed about the route and the job performance of the hauler.

According to Truckpath.com, shippers rely on the hauler to choose experienced haulers. Haulers, in turn, rely on the broker for helping the hauler find truck transportation assignments.

When a trucking accident occurs, experienced Chattanooga truck accident lawyers work to hold all responsible parties liable for any accidents they cause. In addition to the truck driver and the owner of the trucks, brokers and shippers may also be liable.

When is the truck broker liable?

The liability of the broker and shipper are different. Generally, the shipper has the primary duty for making sure the truck driver has the necessary qualifications and experience to transport the load and complies with the applicable federal, state, and industry rules and regulations.

The broker, however, must also ensure that the truck driver and/or trucking company that hauls the shipment has the necessary experience and qualifications. This means brokers can generally be held liable for a trucking accident if they:

• Fail to properly inspect whether the truck driver/company has a valid commercial driver’s license;
• Fail to determine who owns the truck and the condition of the truck – including when it’s been inspected; and/or
• Fail to determine whether the truck driver/company has the necessary experience to deliver the type of load the shipper needs transport.

Experienced truck accident lawyers will review the contract between the broker and the truck driver and the contract between the broker and the shipper. Skilled truck accident lawyers also review any other records or communications governing the shipment. We’ll also review how the truck accident happened and why it happened.

At Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims for 75 years. We understand who is responsible for a trucking accident and work aggressively to hold everyone who caused your injuries or the death of a loved one accountable. We demand compensation for all your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Call us at 423-756-7923 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment. We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. We represent victims and families in Chattanooga or Cleveland, TN, or in North Georgia and neighboring areas.