Truck Driver Negligence
Truck drivers are often incentivized to deliver their cargo as quickly as possible. This can lead to corner cutting or taking on excessive shifts. Sometimes this results in a crash causing thousands of dollars in damages and severely injuring others. Additionally, some drivers are just not as good as others. We review things like the driver’s history of traffic citations, medical examinations, crash history and employment records. In some instances drugs or alcohol are involved and contributed to the crash.
Trucking Company Negligence
The companies that employ these drivers have a duty to ensure the driver and the equipment are fit for the job. Trucking companies that fail to inspect and maintain a tractor or trailer are negligent. Common areas that fail include tires, suspension, brakes on the tractor and/or trailer, steering components, and trailer hitches.
Whether the company failed to inspect and maintain these parts, used underqualified mechanics, or substandard parts can play a factor in how your case plays out. Similarly, if the trucking company hired a problem driver, it may have been negligent in its hiring practices as well.
In short, there are many ways in which a trucking company may be negligent in its operation. We know the rules and regulations and how to get to the bottom of the matter. Timing again is crucial as records may only be preserved for a short time after the crash occurs.
Insurance requirements for trucking companies
With the risks involved in using semi-trucks to ship goods, the federal rules require trucking companies and drivers to carry an increased level of motor vehicle insurance. The specific requirements vary depending on what is being shipped and the weight of the vehicle when loaded. The minimum cargo insurance liability required by the rules is $750,000 in coverage for non-hazardous goods.
Keep in mind that just because the insurance carrier has enough coverage, it may not mean they offer you a fair settlement for your injuries. These companies are there to make money, not to look out for you. Settling a case too quickly or without an attorney can mean you are grossly underpaid for the value of your claim. You may end up footing the bill for medical expenses that the insurance company should have paid.