There are more than 5,000 fatalities resulting from trucking accidents each year. Another 150,000 individuals are seriously injured. Litigating these trucking accidents for the victims can be complex, because there can be a number of defendants for a single trucking accident. The truck driver, the trucking company, the loading company, the maintenance company, or even the manufacturer of the truck could all be at least partially liable. While any of these defendants may be to blame, the trucking company is likely responsible for the accident.
Trucking Company Negligence & Inadequately Trained Drivers
Driving a semi-truck is extremely stressful; the truck driver must be alert at all times, and must have the experience necessary to know how to react to the unexpected. Large truck drivers must be constantly aware that he or she is sharing the road with much smaller, very vulnerable vehicles. An inexperienced truck driver may not fully comprehend or grasp the seriousness of their jobs—and the dangers of operating their truck improperly.
There are many requirements in place that help ensure that truck drivers are fully trained before operating a semi-truck. Yet trucking companies do not always follow these requirements and they often push inexperienced drivers to operate large commercial vehicles without proper training.
While hiring regulations are in place and background checks are mandatory, many trucking companies circumvent these rules in order to get more truckers on the road and more loads delivered. They do so to increase their revenues and profits. Employing inadequately trained truck drivers is just one of the ways that trucking companies act negligently.
Trucking Company Negligence & Long Hours of Operation
The trucking companies are usually well aware when their drivers are exceeding the hours of service. Yet they often “look the other way,” because the quicker the loads are delivered, the more money the trucking company makes. They may also encourage or pressure truck drivers to routinely break federal rules and regulations and drive over the recommended number of hours.
Trucking Company Negligence & Poor Truck Maintenance
The trucking company may also be responsible for poorly maintained trucks, which lead directly to accidents. Many trucking accidents are the result of worn brakes or tires, which have not been maintained according to regulations. Trucking companies may fail to perform routine maintenance or push past the recommended life of brake pads or tires. Some particularly unscrupulous trucking companies even de-power the front brakes in an attempt to prevent excessive wear on brake pads. This extremely dangerous practice can have deadly consequences.
Contact Reputable Trucking Accident Lawyers
At Patrick Malone & Associates, our trucking accident lawyers realize how serious truck accidents in the Washington, DC metro area, Virginia, and throughout the State of Maryland can be. We also know that trucking companies are often to blame for these serious and catastrophic accidents. As such, our accident attorneys work tirelessly from the very start to ensure that all our clients receive the compensation they need to fully recover. Call us at 1-202-742-1500 or 1-888-625-6635 or fill out our confidential contact form for a FREE Consultation and review of your case.
The trucking accident attorneys at Patrick Malone & Associates have successfully represented injured individuals in Washington, DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Annapolis, Rockville, Baltimore, Richmond, Fairfax, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and other locations throughout Maryland and Virginia.
