According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are around 500,000 truck accidents annually in the US. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, these incidents often lead to serious injuries, property damage, and sometimes even death.
After a truck accident, most people assume the driver is to blame. While a driver’s negligence plays a role in an accident, there are some cases where the trucking company is liable.
This is because trucking companies have a legal responsibility to ensure road safety. Accidents may happen when they fail to fulfill these duties.
This is where truck accident attorneys become invaluable. These legal professionals help victims throughout the legal process and ensure they get fair compensation.
Keep reading to understand the role of trucking companies in accidents and their legal obligations.
The Role of Trucking Companies in Accidents
Table of Contents
Trucking companies play an essential role in the safety and operations of commercial trucking. Their actions or lack of actions can contribute to accidents in the following ways.
Hiring Practices
Trucking companies are supposed to hire qualified drivers and supervise them properly. Some companies, however, try to cut corners by hiring unqualified drivers to cut costs.
Negligent hiring happens when companies fail to do enough background checks, vet their qualifications, or check their driving history. This can lead to unskilled drivers operating large vehicles, which increases the risk of accidents.
Maintaining Vehicles
Regular maintenance of vehicles is essential to prevent mechanical failures. However, sometimes trucking companies fail to do or rather skip scheduled inspections or delay necessary repairs to keep their vehicles on the road.
Some of the common poor maintenance issues that lead to accidents include:
- Faulty brakes
- Malfunctioning lights
- Worn-out tires
Scheduling and Deadlines
Unrealistic delivery and tight schedules sometimes push drivers to exceed the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. This leads to drivers operating vehicles while fatigued. Some companies even encourage drivers to skip breaks or speed to prioritize profits over safety. These practices endanger drivers and put other road users at risk.
Legal Responsibility of Trucking Companies
As mentioned, trucking companies have a legal responsibility to ensure safety and accountability. When these responsibilities are ignored, trucking companies may be held liable for accidents caused by negligence.
Compliance With Federal Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) sets strict guidelines for the trucking industry, like rules on:
- Vehicle maintenance
- Driver qualification
- Hours of Service (HOS)
Failure to adhere to these regulations, like skipping mandatory inspections, can result in severe penalties and liability after an accident.
Vicarious Liability
Under vicarious liability, trucking companies can be held responsible for their employee’s actions. If a driver causes an accident while on duty, the company may be held accountable for the damages. This includes cases where there was inadequate training or poor hiring that contributed to the accident.
Due Care
Due care refers to the obligation of the trucking industry to do business in a way that reduces risks and improves safety. Trucking companies have a legal responsibility and duty to take their due care seriously.
Insurance Requirements
Trucking companies are required to have liability insurance to cover damages in an accident. This insurance is meant to provide financial protection for victims. However, navigating these policies without proper guidance can be very challenging.
Conclusion
Trucking companies have a role in maintaining safety on the roads, from hiring qualified drivers to ensuring proper vehicle maintenance. However, when they neglect these duties, the consequences can be devastating for accident victims, their families, and the community at large.
Legal accountability is essential to ensuring that trucking companies prioritize safety over profits. By holding trucking companies accountable for their actions, we not only help victims recover but also encourage better industry practices, ultimately making the roads safer for everyone.
Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)
Related Categories: Legal, Cars & Vehicles, Reviews
