When Can You File a Lawsuit Against a Trucking Company?
Commercial truck companies must follow strict guidelines set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). As personal injury attorneys handling truck accident cases, we can tell you that trucking companies do not always follow these regulations. In some cases, companies are more concerned with making profits than ensuring public safety. Trucking company negligence is a primary cause of truck accidents. Examples of negligence may include:
Negligent hiring and retention. Truck companies must maintain driver qualification files (also called DQ files) for their drivers. DQ files contain detailed information on drivers. These files may contain moving violations, medical certifications, annual review records, and drug test results. However, companies may neglect to maintain these files or knowingly allow unqualified employees to continue driving. Companies also hire unqualified drivers.
Hours-of-service violations: rules place limits on how long commercial truck drivers can drive. The purpose of these rules is to prevent drowsy driving accidents. Truck companies must ensure their drivers comply with hours-of-service rules. However, some companies may encourage their drivers to violate these regulations. In other cases, they may turn a blind eye to hours-of-service violations.
Poor maintenance practices. Semi-trucks are subject to regular wear and tear. Truck companies must inspect and perform necessary maintenance on these vehicles so they are safe to drive.
Negligent training. Truck companies must train new hires. New employees should understand how to record hours of service in compliance with the requirements. They must know how to drive a vehicle carrying heavy loads and how to signal nearby drivers properly. Commercial truck drivers should know how to load and secure cargo.
Improper loading: Cargo on semi-trucks must be loaded properly and tied down, or it can shift while the vehicle is moving. This could cause the driver to lose control and may lead to a rollover accident. Truck companies may also try to overload vehicles to boost profits. An overloaded truck takes longer to stop and will hit other objects with greater impact force. In addition, an overloaded truck can suffer damage that makes it unsafe to drive.
Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident? Let Our East Texas Truck Accident Lawyers Help
Our truck accident attorneys have seen every trick in the book. Some companies skirt federal rules to make more money. Unfortunately, it is our friends, family members, and neighbors who could end up paying the price for these selfish actions. Negligent trucking companies can also be held responsible for damages caused to other motorists. If you or loved ones were harmed in a truck accident, then it is vital to act quickly by hiring an attorney. Companies may try to eliminate evidence of their negligence, such as by tampering with a vehicle’s electronic control module. This device may record a semi-truck's speed, driving time, and other information. If you believe a trucking company is responsible for your injuries or loss, then please call Mike Love & Associates, LLC to discuss possible legal options.