Trucking companies are bound to hire qualified drivers, provide training, and use only well-maintained and compliant trucks. Ignoring these can lead to serious truck accidents, not just for the truck driver but for other motorists as well.
Signs Indicating Trucking Company Negligence
The following are the common negligent acts the commercial trucking companies commit. If done consistently, these negligent acts can result in fatal road crashes and collisions.
Commercial trucking companies are desperate to fill in their roster of truck drivers. However, in their rush to hire new drivers so their business may continue running, they end up hiring unqualified drivers. They end up sending untrained truck drivers out into the streets. They may sometimes end up hiring drivers that do not have any experience with large vehicles such as semi trucks, moving trucks, garbage trucks, concrete trucks, and more.
Large vehicles such as commercial trucks, however, require skilled and experienced professional drivers. A trucking company violates state and federal laws if it sends an unqualified, unlicensed, and untrained driver to operate their commercial trucks. The unqualified truck driver becomes a liability and a risk for the other motorists as well.
- Covering up or failing to report driver violations.
The trucking company must encourage proper driving habits and obedience to the law. If the company turns a blind eye to the violations committed by their driver, it can result in trouble. It may end up encouraging the driver’s dangerous habits on the road. Some offenses that untrained truck drivers commit in Michigan are:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Driving under the influence of illegal drugs
- Driving for straight hours without adequate rest or sleep
- Carrying cargo over its weight limit
Commercial trucking companies are bound to report the violations committed by their employees to the proper authorities.
- Poor or inadequate truck inspection and maintenance
All vehicles are required to undergo regular inspection and maintenance to ensure that it runs smoothly without any mechanical failure. The same is true with commercial trucks. These trucks all the more need regular inspection and maintenance. They travel longer distances and longer hours while carrying heavy loads.
Trucks pose a greater danger because of their size. A mechanical or engine failure can result in more disastrous or deadly road crashes. A truck with a malfunctioning brake, for example, can result in unspeakable loss of property and life.
Truck companies must conduct regular maintenance and inspection of their fleet of trucks. Routine inspection can help reduce the risk of truck malfunctions while on the road. It can help discover defects that may make the vehicle a high road risk. Parts and equipment that need replacement and adjustment can be remedied.
If the truck becomes involved in an accident, and the truck appears improperly maintained, the trucking company can be held liable. The company will be required to pay for all the loss and damages the accident caused.
- Noncompliance with federal rules and regulations
Federal law requires that the trucking companies do not overwork their truck drivers. Truck drivers need to adhere to the standard times of sleep, rest, and breaks. Truck drivers must have sufficient downtime for rest, away from the truck that they operate.
- An overworked and exhausted truck driver may experience the following:
- Sleepiness or drowsiness while on the road.
- Being easily distracted while driving
- Headaches and other health issues
- Jittery nerves due to too much coffee intake
- Impaired judgment
- Slower reflexes and reaction time
If it is found that the truck driver’s lack of rest caused an accident, the company will be held liable. It is the truck company’s responsibility to ensure that their truck drivers are well-rested and are following federal law mandates.
- Improper loading of their trucks
Trucks must be properly loaded, using compliant straps and equipment. Unsecured cargo is dangerous. It can fall off the truck bed and roll over other vehicles and pedestrians. Serious and catastrophic accidents can ensue from falling cargo, to which the truck company will be held responsible and liable.
Contact The Clark Law Office Immediately if You Figured in a Trucking Accident.
If you or a loved one is involved in a trucking accident, you will need to call a reputable Michigan lawyer right away. An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you establish your claims for your medical expenses, such as hospitalization and therapy. You will also be compensated for your income loss and any emotional or psychological trauma the accident caused you. Call us now for a free legal consultation.
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