If you were hurt in a truck accident through no fault of your own, it’s reasonable to assume the trucker was at fault. After all, the vast majority of truck crashes are caused by driver errors such as speeding, tailgating, or falling asleep behind the wheel.
After some accidents, though, the negligence of the truck driver’s employer is found to be a contributing factor. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few common examples of motor carrier negligence and how they lead to serious collisions.
If you were hurt in a crash with a commercial truck and you want to sue the motor carrier, turn to Coxwell & Associates for advice. Our personal injury lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and skills to take on even the largest corporations and insurance companies. Call (601) 265-7766 to schedule a case evaluation with a truck accident attorney in Jackson.
Read on to learn some common examples of motor carrier negligence:
- Hiring Poorly Qualified Drivers
Although tractor-trailer drivers are required by law to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are no laws prohibiting motor carriers from hiring someone who has a poor driving record, a history of speeding, or a DUI conviction. If a company opts to hire a driver with a questionable past or little experience on the road, it may be held liable for any accidents that driver causes.
Note: Even if the driver is highly qualified, the motor carrier may still be held liable for an accident that he or she causes, as long as the employee causes the crash while performing duties within the scope of his or her employment. - Failing to Maintain Their Vehicles
Motor carriers have a legal duty to maintain their fleets to a reasonable standard. If they fail to do so and this leads to an accident, they may be held liable for any resulting damages. If a trucking company hires a contractor to maintain its vehicles, that contractor may be held liable for collisions resulting from poor maintenance, as well. - Incentivizing or Pressuring Drivers to Break the Law
To reduce the number of drowsy truckers on the road, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration implemented the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which place limits on the number of consecutive hours a trucker can spend behind the wheel without rest. Unfortunately, just because these rules exist does not mean everyone follows them.
If a motor carrier imposes unreasonable demands on its drivers—for example, by establishing delivery deadlines that could only be met by violating the HOS regulations, they may be held liable for any accidents that result.
Discuss Your Case With a Truck Accident Lawyer in Jackson
If you want to sue a motor carrier after a truck crash in Mississippi, turn to Coxwell & Associates. We have won nearly $300 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call (601) 265-7766 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney in Jackson.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.