Transporting goods is an important industry in Utah, consisting of over 5,560 trucking companies that employ about 21,700 drivers. While most trucking companies and drivers abide by the rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Utah Department of Transportation, accidents still occur for a variety of reasons.
When negligence contributes to a crash, the trucking company is typically held vicarious liability for the driver’s actions. A company may encourage a driver to break the rules by doctoring the daily maintenance reports that the FMCSA requires. Common causes of truck accidents in West Jordan can support a negligence claim to compensate for injuries sustained in an accident. Contact a truck collision attorney at Kramer Injury Law for guidance throughout this process.
Is Reckless Driving Negligent Driving?
Commercial trucks weigh about 80,000 pounds, 20 times the weight of a typical automobile. If a driver is reckless and crashes into a car, the consequences may be catastrophic and often fatal. Reckless driving can be the basis for a personal injury lawsuit. The trucker has a duty to drive competently, but if their actions or inactions breach that responsibility and cause an accident, they may be found negligent.
Reckless driving occurs whenever the driver fails to follow federal or state regulations. Truck drivers may sometimes work longer hours than allowed, often due to incentives like bonuses for early deliveries, which can lead to exhaustion.
Furthermore, if a truck driver is not paying attention to the road, they may face:
- Visual distractions
- Manual distractions
- Cognitive distractions
Visual distractions occur when the driver takes their eyes off the road, manual distractions happen when their hands leave the steering wheel, and cognitive distractions occur when the driver’s mind is elsewhere, such as daydreaming or thinking about other matters.
To avoid a lawsuit, a trucking company may try to blame an accident on the weather rather than the driver. Regardless, the trucking company and the driver may still be liable. Under 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 392.14, commercial truckers must proactively address weather conditions by reducing their speed or pulling over until the danger passes. Driving at the speed limit can lead to a lawsuit or insurance settlement if the weather conditions make it dangerous.
Our attorneys understand that truck accidents can be life-changing. While big rig accidents in West Jordan can occur under various circumstances, it is important to have a legal professional evaluate your accident to determine the exact cause and hold the responsible party accountable.
Trucking companies are required by law to maintain a specific level of liability insurance. We can negotiate with insurance companies or pursue legal action to ensure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Common Causes of Accidents Involving Cargo and the Truck
If a commercial truck is overloaded or if the loading party fails to secure the truck’s contents, the trucking company may be held responsible for damages caused by an accident. This is because they may not have properly trained their drivers or may have even encouraged them to violate safety regulations. Overloading a truck can raise its center of gravity, which increases the risk of a rollover. Additionally, heavy cargo can critically injure the driver of a vehicle following behind. There are also instances where a driver is in a hurry, which compromises road safety.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires commercial truck drivers to report truck maintenance on a daily basis, both before and after a run. Parts like tires, brakes, and lights naturally wear down over time. Neglecting to maintain a truck or filing false reports may occur if the trucking company is unwilling to invest in the necessary time or money to ensure safety. A knowledgeable injury lawyer in West Jordan can assess your case and advocate on your behalf to address these common causes of truck crashes.
Contact a West Jordan Attorney To Learn More About Common Truck Collision Causes
If a commercial trucking company and its drivers act negligently and cause an accident that results in significant harm to you, they should be held accountable. Compensation may include coverage for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
Call our attorneys now to discuss the common causes of truck accidents in West Jordan and how your accident impacted you. We can assist you by developing a successful strategy.
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