When a truck accident occurs, the common assumption is that the truck driver should be held responsible. Understandably so, they are behind the wheel and might have acted negligently, leading to the accident. However, truck accidents are often complicated, as several parties can potentially be held liable. And one of them is the trucking company.
So, how can a trucking company contribute to an accident?
Inadequate driver training
A trucking company must ensure drivers are properly trained. During hiring, it must confirm that a driver completed the mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a reputable provider and passed CDL skills tests.
After hiring, a company should perform its own road test to confirm skills and regularly offer training on safety measures. Results from a driver’s training sessions should be maintained in the driver’s qualification file.
Unfortunately, not all trucking companies follow these steps. With the high demand in the trucking industry combined with the increasing driver shortage, some allow inadequately trained truck drivers to share the road with other road users. This increases the risk of driver error.
Unrealistic deadlines/schedules
Some companies set unrealistic schedules and deadlines for drivers, pushing them to exceed federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to maximize profits. This can result in fatigued truck drivers with slow reaction times and impaired judgment. Some drivers are even pressured to speed or violate other traffic rules to make up for lost time.
Poorly maintained vehicles
Equipment failure is a leading cause of truck accidents. Examples include brake failures, tire blowouts, steering and suspension issues, defective lights and engine failures. A company that skips inspection or poorly maintains its trucks can be held liable for an accident caused by equipment failure.
If you are involved in a truck accident, there may be more to it. Consider legal guidance to identify who needs to compensate you.