Whenever a truck accident happens, the driver gets the blame. People tend to automatically assume that the driver is the reason for the accident. In reality, it is the trucking company that is responsible for most truck accidents in the US.
Trucking companies’ negligence is seldom talked about. Not just trucking companies but also other parties like truck manufacturers and cargo loading companies cause accidents.
So, if you get hit by a truck, do not assume it’s the driver’s fault. Instead, with the help of experienced truck accident attorneys, conduct a proper investigation and find out who is liable for the accident.
Trucking Companies and Their Role in Truck Accidents
Trucking companies’ goal is to make a profit. It is not wrong to want to make a profit, but the methods followed for it must be ethical.
Trucking companies don’t do that. They follow all kinds of unethical methods to make a profit. The following are some ways trucking companies cause accidents:
- Unrealistic goals
- Improper truck maintenance
- Negligent hiring
- Inadequate training
Unrealistic Goals
Trucking companies indirectly influence truck driver behavior. Setting unrealistic goals is one way to do that. By setting unrealistic goals, the companies force truck drivers to violate the hours of service rules.
Hours of service rules are a set of regulations that govern the number of hours a truck driver can work.
The purpose of the rule is to prevent drivers from overworking. Overworking can lead to fatigued driving. Sleep-deprived driving is as dangerous as drunk driving.
Trucking companies may also set incentives for completing their task in a short period of time. This encourages truck drivers to violate hours of service rules.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Trucks are complicated vehicles that require high maintenance to perform at their best level. Not maintaining them properly can lead to accidents.
The following defects in the truck can cause catastrophic accidents:
- Tire defects
- Steering wheel defects
- Brake failure
- Electrical system malfunction
It is the trucking company’s responsibility to maintain the truck in good condition.
It is close to impossible to control a truck with a defective part. Trucking companies should conduct routine maintenance checks to avoid surprises when driving.
However, negligent trucking companies don’t do that. Their greed overshadows their ethics.
More maintenance time means less time on the road, which in turn means less profit.
Negligent Hiring
Trucking companies should hire quality drivers. They should screen them and conduct background research before hiring them.
Trucks are huge vehicles. They cannot be driven by everyone. To drive a truck, the driver must have years of training.
Now, imagine hiring a drug addict as a truck driver. A drug addict driving a truck is a ticking bomb. They could cause an accident at any time.
Companies hire drivers in a hurry to fill the positions and send out trucks as soon as possible.
Inadequate Training
Not just hiring but also training the drivers is the trucking companies’ responsibility.
Inexperienced drivers are prone to accidents. Trucking companies hire inexperienced drivers to cut costs.
It is perfectly ok to hire inexperienced drivers, but they should offer proper training before sending them out on trips.
But of course, their greed to make more money won’t let that happen. They will just send out drivers without any training. These drivers are a danger to every other road user.
Contact a Lawyer
Trucks are huge vehicles that can completely crush a car with enough force. The other vehicle occupants are the most vulnerable parties in truck accidents.
If you ever get into a truck accident, call a lawyer immediately after receiving medical attention.
Experienced truck accident lawyers can conduct a proper investigation, find the liable party, and get you the compensation you deserve.
