Quick Answer:⚡
If a trucking company denies responsibility for its driver’s actions, you can still hold the company liable under Michigan law if the driver was working within the scope of their employment when the crash occurred. This legal principle, called “respondeat superior,” makes employers accountable for the negligence of their drivers.
Trucking companies often try to distance themselves from drivers after serious accidents, claiming the driver was an “independent contractor” or acting outside of company policy. However, courts look beyond labels to determine the true relationship between the driver and the carrier. If the company owned the truck, paid the driver, or controlled their routes and schedule, it can still be held responsible for damages.
Evidence such as employment contracts, dispatch records, and logbooks can help prove the company’s control over the driver. Even when a company denies fault, violations of federal safety rules, poor training, or negligent hiring practices can independently establish liability. For a closer look at how these legal principles work, visit who is liable after a truck accident in Michigan.
- Employers are typically responsible for drivers acting within the scope of their job duties.
- Labeling a driver as an “independent contractor” does not automatically remove liability.
- Negligent hiring, supervision, or policy enforcement can create direct company fault.
- FMCSA safety violations often strengthen claims against the trucking company.
When a trucking company refuses to accept responsibility, an experienced attorney can uncover company records, driver communications, and safety violations to prove who was truly at fault.
✅ This answer was written and reviewed by Attorney Matthew R. Clark, managing partner at The Clark Law Office. He has extensive experience exposing companies that attempt to deny liability by misclassifying drivers or ignoring their own safety obligations.
Next Step
If a trucking company is denying responsibility for a driver’s negligence, don’t face them alone. Our attorneys can investigate employment relationships and uncover hidden liability. 💬 Speak with The Clark Law Office today for a free consultation.
What If the Trucking Company Denies Responsibility for the Driver’s Actions?
If a trucking company denies responsibility for its driver’s actions, you can still hold the company liable under Michigan law if the driver was working within the scope of their employment when the crash occurred. This legal principle, called “respondeat superior,” makes employers accountable for the negligence of their drivers.