Tractor trailers are essential for moving goods across the country, but the sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles mean that accidents involving them are often severe. To keep everyone safe on the road, trucking companies and drivers are required to follow strict safety protocols. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners, neglecting safety rules and putting others at risk. Here’s a look at the most common violations and what you can do if you’re a victim of an accident involving a tractor trailer.
Most Common Violations of Truck Accident Safety Measures
Many truck accidents could be prevented if companies and drivers adhered to safety standards. However, when they ignore these rules, the consequences can be devastating. Let’s explore some of the most frequent violations related to avoiding trucking accidents:
- Hiring Unsafe Drivers: Safety starts with who’s behind the wheel. Some companies fail to conduct thorough background checks, leading to hiring drivers with poor driving records or insufficient training. Proper screening and training are crucial to ensure drivers can handle these massive vehicles safely.
- Violating Hours of Service Rules: Fatigue is a significant factor in truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules limiting the number of hours a driver can be on the road without rest. Unfortunately, some companies pressure drivers to exceed these limits to meet tight delivery schedules, which can lead to fatigue-related accidents.
- Neglecting Vehicle Maintenance: A tractor trailer’s mechanical integrity is vital for safe operation. Regular maintenance checks help avoid breakdowns or malfunctions that could lead to accidents. However, some truck companies skip essential maintenance to cut costs, putting drivers and other road users at risk.
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: Driving any vehicle under the influence is dangerous, but the risk increases exponentially as the size and weight of the vehicle do. While most truck drivers are responsible, others self-medicate with alcohol or use drugs to stay awake behind the wheel. This reckless behavior can lead to severe accidents and loss of life.
- Loading Cargo Improperly: When cargo isn’t loaded properly, it can shift during transit, destabilizing the truck and leading to rollovers or lost loads. Adhering to proper loading guidelines is critical for avoiding big rig accidents and keeping the truck balanced on the road.
Trucking companies that disregard these safety practices can be held accountable if their negligence leads to an accident. Knowing the common causes of these accidents is helpful in understanding how to avoid truck accidents and where responsibility may lie.
When to Consult a Lawyer for a Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a truck driver or company negligence, it’s essential to know when to consult a lawyer for a truck accident. Truck accident cases are complex and often involve multiple parties, from the driver and trucking company to third-party maintenance providers. A knowledgeable tractor trailer accident attorney can help you navigate this complexity and pursue a personal injury claim for the compensation you deserve.
An experienced attorney can investigate the accident and recover crucial evidence that might prove the driver or trucking company violated critical safety measures. By pursuing a claim, you’re not only seeking financial relief for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses but also helping to improve road safety by holding companies accountable.
At Stewart Law Offices, we understand the challenges victims face after a tractor trailer accident. Our law firm has had considerable success in representing truck accident victims, including securing $3.5 million in a tractor trailer accident.* We’re ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
*This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Listed results are before deduction of fees and cost. Case results vary. Prior results do not guarantee any future outcomes. After recovery is made, attorney fees will be computed before deduction of incurred expenses. Personal attorney results achieved while practicing law not necessarily while at current law firm. Brent P Stewart licensed only in SC & WV. NC licensed attorneys in Charlotte office. Brent Stewart, Founding Attorney – Principal Office 1242 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Marcus Spake, NC Managing Attorney – Principal Office 2427 Tuckaseegee Rd. Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28208.
