There are many different types of truck accidents, and they can all have devastating consequences. Motorists often suffer severe injuries that lead to decades of debilitation. These accidents are even worse because trucking company negligence is often to blame. Negligent trucking companies must face accountability when they place profits above safety – which they do in far too many instances.
The truck accident attorneys with Sand Law can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. We’ll determine who’s to blame and work to make them pay dearly. You can schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or calling 701-609-1510.
Truck Accident Statistics in Minnesota
Truck accidents are a problem across the United States; unfortunately, Minnesota is no exception. There were nearly 4,000 commercial truck accidents in 2020, nearly 60 people died, and another 1,000 suffered severe injuries.
Negligent Trucking Companies Can Easily Cause Accidents
The companies that own trucks are notorious for cutting corners to maximize profits. They’ll often overlook routine maintenance, hire unqualified drivers, or commit other forms of negligence.
When they do, a skilled attorney will know it and will pursue full and fair compensation. The insurance policies that cover trucking companies can be worth millions of dollars. Insurers fight tenaciously to protect those policies. That’s why you’ll need a lawyer who won’t be intimidated by this formidable opposition.
How are Accidents Caused by Negligent Trucking Companies?
The following are just a few ways trucking company negligence can lead to accidents.
Negligent Hiring
Trucking companies will often fail to properly screen or check the driving record of a truck driver, resulting in a preventable crash. There continues to be a significant shortage of truck drivers, and, as a result, companies sometimes turn to people who have no business trying to operate an 80,000-pound machine.
Negligent Training
Proper driver training is essential for ensuring the safety of truck drivers and others on the road. Trucking companies must prepare drivers to handle adverse weather conditions and other challenges they may face. Companies that fail to provide adequate training may be liable for an accident.
Trucking companies may fail to properly train drivers for a variety of reasons, including:
- Cost – Proper training can be expensive, and some companies may prioritize cost savings over driver training.
- Time constraints – The demand for truck drivers is high, and companies may feel pressure to quickly hire and put drivers on the road without adequate training.
- Neglect – Some companies may neglect or prioritize other responsibilities over driver training, leading to inadequate training programs.
Overscheduling
Overscheduling leads to truck drivers working excessive hours, often beyond federal regulations and guidelines. This can lead to fatigue, a significant contributor to truck accidents. When drivers are overscheduled, they’re more likely to experience drowsiness and decreased reaction times, making them a danger to themselves and others on the road.
Not Following Trucking Regulations
Unfortunately, some trucking companies fail to follow federal hours-of-service regulations, vehicle maintenance regulations, and driver training regulations. There are several reasons why this occurs.
For example, companies will violate regulations to save on training and maintenance costs. They’ll also prioritize meeting delivery deadlines over following the rules, leading them to push drivers to work longer hours. Also, trucking companies often fail to address faulty brake systems or worn-out tires, increasing the risk of an accident.
Not Drug Testing
Drug testing is a critical component of ensuring the safety of truck drivers and other road users. Companies that fail to drug test their drivers may be liable for damages in the event of a preventable truck accident caused by a driver under the influence of drugs.
How to Prove a Trucking Company’s Negligence Caused Your Accident
You must hire an attorney as soon as possible so they can begin an investigation. This investigation will be critical to building the most robust case possible on your behalf. Your lawyer will immediately get to work gathering as much evidence as possible.
For example, a truck’s black box, also known as an event data recorder (EDR), can help prove a trucking company’s negligence in the event of a truck accident. The black box records data related to the truck’s speed, braking, and other critical functions during an accident. This information can provide valuable evidence in determining fault and establishing the cause of an accident.
If, for instance, the black box data shows that the truck driver was speeding, it could suggest that the driver was acting negligently or that the company failed to provide proper training or enforce speed limits. However, if the data shows that the truck’s brakes were not functioning correctly, it could suggest that the company failed to maintain the vehicle or perform regular inspections properly.
Is it Possible for the Trucking Company and a Driver to be At Fault?
The responsibility for a truck accident can depend on several factors, including the driver’s actions, the trucking company’s policies and procedures, and any mechanical issues with the truck.
For example, if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving recklessly, or violating hours-of-service regulations, they may bear significant responsibility for the accident. On the other hand, if the trucking company failed to properly train the driver, enforce safety policies, or perform regular maintenance on the truck, they may also bear responsibility for the accident.
Does Third-Party Liability Affect Your Settlement Amount?
Yes, third-party liability can affect the settlement amount in a truck accident case. Manufacturers of defective truck components or other motorists could have played a role in contributing to the accident. If a third-party company negligently loaded the truck’s cargo, and the driver lost control because that cargo came loose, the loading company could also be held liable. The more liable parties are involved, the higher your settlement offer will likely be.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation
Talk to a Sand Law truck accident attorney as soon as possible to learn more about how we’ll work to help you get the money you deserve. You can use our online contact form for a free case review, or you can call 701-609-1510.