Truck driver negligence
The causes of serious trucking accidents are endless. In most cases, trucking accidents can be tied to one or more driver’s negligent behavior. While drivers of passenger vehicles involved in truck driving accidents may be to blame, it is not uncommon for truck driver negligence to be the root cause of a trucking accident that leads to severe injuries or death.
Examples of Truck Driver Negligence
Truck drivers can exercise negligent behavior while behind the wheel. Examples of such negligent conduct include, but are certainly not limited to, the following:
- Speeding;
- Driving While Drowsy or Falling Asleep at the Wheel;
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs;
- Inexperienced Driving;
- Violating Hours of Service Requirements (i.e., truck drivers cannot drive more than a certain number of hours in a given day);
- Driving in Poor Weather Conditions;
- Driving an Unsafe Truck that Has Not Been Through Proper Safety Checks and/or Maintenance (i.e., driving with the knowledge that a truck’s brakes are unsafe); and
Proving Truck Driver Negligence
Like any auto accident, an investigation must be completed to determine what factors contributed to the trucking accident. Because truck drivers are typically employed by a larger company, that company may be on the hook for the truck driver’s negligent behavior. However, an injured victim must be able to prove that the truck driver’s negligence caused or contributed to cause the accident. Ways in which an accident victim can prove truck driver negligence include, among others, the following:
- Gathering documentation to prove a truck driver did not adhere to safety standards (such as accurately completing logs to monitor the number of hours driven per day);
- Showing that a truck’s brakes, tires, or other features were damaged or poorly maintained prior to the evidence;
- Showing that a truck driver exhibited signs of exhaustion, intoxication, or exhibited any other behavior to suggest such behavior was the cause of the trucking accident; and
- Using accident reconstruction experts to show that a truck’s speed may have been above the speed limit at the time of the trucking accident.
All trucking accidents are unique and require individualized evaluations to determine in what ways a truck driver’s negligence led to a trucking accident.
Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys represent those injured or families who lost family members in truck accidents caused by negligence. We invite you to speak with us about your case and an initial consultation, so contact us at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529), or fill out our case inquiry form, or visit us in person.
