Driver error causes a significant percentage of truck accidents. This includes speeding, distracted driving, improper lane changing, failing to check mirrors and blind spots before turning or merging and following too closely.
However, an accident may occur because of a mistake made by a trucking company. Here is how a trucking company can contribute to an accident:
Poor hiring practices
The U.S. continues to face a significant truck driver shortage, which has led to some trucking companies engaging in poor hiring practices. To fill empty seats faster, these companies lower qualifications or experience standards, skip/rush background checks and hire drivers with concerning histories. This results in unqualified drivers sharing the road with others.
Negligent training
To put drivers on the road as fast as possible, a company may assume that because a driver holds a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), no further training is required. When a driver is inadequately trained on the vehicle, equipment or cargo they will handle, they may not make informed decisions on the road. They may also lose vehicle control on certain routes, such as on steep downgrades or sharp corners.
Unrealistic deadlines
A trucking company that sets unrealistic deadlines for drivers, ignoring real-world conditions, such as traffic, weather and legal limits, puts pressure on drivers. This can encourage them to engage in dangerous behaviors like speeding or skipping rest.
Poor vehicle maintenance
When a company skips routine inspections, fails to fix worn-out parts or returns vehicles that are not yet in good condition to the road, the risk of an accident caused by a mechanical failure can be high.
While a truck driver may be liable for an accident, other parties may be responsible as well. If you have been injured in a truck accident, learn more to identify all potential liable parties.