Broker-Shipper Liability in Chicago Trucking Accidents

Representing Victims of Commercial Trucking Accidents throughout Illinois

Truck drivers and trucking companies who fail to comply with industry-wide rules and regulations or fail to comply with their obligations to operate their trucks in a safe manner can be held liable in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. But many people don’t realize that shippers and brokers can also be held liable for commercial trucking accidents in certain circumstances.

Because shipper-broker liability involves a complex legal analysis and relies on a comprehensive factual investigation, it is important to consult with an accident and injury attorney who is experienced handling commercial trucking accident cases. At Cogan & Power, P.C., Chicago trucking attorneys focus on representing the victims of complex personal injury cases, including commercial trucking accidents.

Because we utilize a collaborative approach to legal representation, our clients receive the benefit of our collective legal knowledge and experience, which spans more than 100 years. We take great pride in our record of successful verdicts and settlements, including a $13 million verdict in a trucking accident case, as well as the enduring relationships we have developed with our clients.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated trucking accident attorneys to discuss any potential legal claims against the truck driver, trucking company, and the shipper or broker.

Shipper-Broker Liability

In general, a company is not liable for negligent acts committed by an independent contractor performing work on that company’s behalf, but in some cases, the shipping company or broker might be liable for the negligence committed by the truck driver that it used to ship its goods.

For instance, if a shipping company is negligent in choosing the trucking company to ship its goods, the shipping company could be liable for a trucking accident that occurs while its goods were transported under the theory of negligent hiring.

A shipper or broker may also be liable if the shipper or broker is negligent in loading the tractor-trailer and a trucking accident occurs as a result.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, contact the skilled Chicago trucking accident attorneys at Cogan & Power at (312) 477-2500 for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights following a commercial trucking accident. If you cannot come to our offices in downtown Chicago, we will come to you. And because we take cases on a contingency basis, you will not pay any fee unless we get you compensation.