When a truck is involved in an accident with another vehicle, the consequences can be devastating. It is likely that serious injuries will occur since trucks have such a large potential to cause damage.
However, liability in truck accidents is not often simple, and while the other vehicle or the truck could be blamed for causing the accident, it could also be possible for the trucking company to be blamed for an accident between one of their trucks and another vehicle.
Why are trucks so dangerous?
Commercial trucks that have been fully loaded have a very large mass, often weighing in excess of 80,000 pounds. This mass, combined with the considerable speed it can travel on freeways means that the force of a collision is far greater than between two average-sized vehicles.
What does this danger mean for the responsibilities of trucking companies?
As a result of the inherent dangers of trucks, all trucking companies must adhere to certain standards. This means that they have the legal responsibility to ensure that their drivers are adequately trained and competent at their jobs. These tests tend to be very well regulated, and the tests often involve randomized drug and alcohol tests on drivers.
If a trucking company knowingly sends a driver out on the road who is incompetent, suffering from fatigue, or is under the influence of alcohol and drugs, this could lead to a prosecution of the trucking company.
In addition, trucking companies have responsibilities in regard to the well-being of their drivers. Many drivers complain that they were put under pressure to work extremely long hours or to complete an unrealistic amount of work on a specific day. When pressure like this comes from an employer, it makes driver fatigue more likely, which can be fatal. It also adds stress to a driver’s working life and means that they are more likely to drive recklessly.
If you have been involved in an accident involving a truck and you believe that the trucking company may have been responsible, it is important to take swift action so that you can get the justice and the damages that you deserve.