Inadequate Training and Experience Can Lead to Trucking Accidents

By Thomas Greer | March 3, 2016

Inadequate Training and Experience Can Lead to Trucking AccidentsLarge, commercial trucks can weigh several tons, and as the largest vehicles on the roadways, truck drivers owe a duty of care to operate these trucks in a safe manner. In order to be able to drive a commercial truck, an individual must go through training and a period of supervision before they can get on the road and drive. Employers are responsible to make sure that their truck driver employees have sufficient training, and that they will operate the vehicle safely. When a trucking company sends drivers out on the road, they assume legal responsibility for that driver’s actions and for any accidents, injuries or fatalities that might result from that driver’s actions while driving the truck.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) promulgate rules and regulations that govern the proper training and supervision of new truck drivers. When a new truck driver is involved in a crash, the trucking company may face fines and other consequences for their failure to adequately train and supervise their drivers.

There is a great potential for harm and loss of life involved with operating a large, commercial truck on highways and roadways alongside passenger vehicles and other motor vehicles. Truck drivers must comply with rules and regulations designed to make sure that they are operating at their best at all times. Some of those procedures include:

  • Hours of service regulations that govern how long a driver can drive and how many hours they must rest and take breaks
  • Maintain log books that will be inspected regularly
  • Be aware of and adhere to load limit rules
  • Make sure that the cargo is loaded according to regulations
  • Abstain from drinking and driving, using illegal drugs or certain prescription drugs that could impair the safe operation of the truck

Responsibilities of trucking companies

It costs money to properly train and supervise a new truck driver, and some trucking companies fail to follow regulations in order to save money. Trucking companies and fleet managers must also conduct background checks on employees before they are hired in order to screen out those with dangerous driving records. Once a driver has received training and obtained their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a new driver needs to be supervised by a trainer to confirm that the drive can operate the truck safely.

When a truck driver causes a crash that results in property damage, injuries and fatalities, if the trucking company has failed to carefully screen, train and supervise the driver, they can be held liable for the losses suffered in the accident. The truck accident attorneys at the law firm of Bailey & Greer have experience investigating truck accidents, which can be complicated. We know how to determine fault in an accident, and we hold those responsible for your injuries accountable for your losses.

At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we understand the frustration that comes from an accident caused by the negligence of a truck driver. We are here to make sure that those responsible for your losses are held accountable. We fight to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve when you have been injured in a truck accident. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers in Memphis or Jackson.

Posted in Truck Accidents