Tractor-trailers, also known as 18-wheelers, are some of the largest vehicles on North Carolina roadways. Due to their size and weight, their blind spots are far reaching and they cannot stop as quickly as a typical car. Tractor-trailer drivers, therefore, must be skilled, attentive, and well-trained to ensure everyone’s safety. Any commercial trucking company that does not meet its responsibilities to the public must be held accountable. However, trucking injury cases are not always straightforward.
Causes of Trucking Accidents
Dangerous practices by commercial carriers can result in catastrophic injury or death. Therefore, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict guidelines for trucking companies. The administration oversees all commercial motor vehicle safety regulations and aims to protect everyone on the road through its policies.
Common violations of FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) guidelines often include the following:
- Untrained Drivers: Many trucking companies may hire individuals without providing the necessary training to operate commercial vehicles safely. This lack of training can lead to accidents and safety hazards on the road.
- Negligently Hired Drivers: Some companies fail to conduct thorough background checks or check driving records before hiring drivers. This negligence can result in hiring individuals with a history of unsafe driving practices, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Unsupervised Drivers: In some cases, drivers can operate vehicles without adequate supervision or oversight. This can lead to poor decision-making on the road and an increased likelihood of accidents, as drivers may not have access to immediate support or guidance.
- Drivers Suffering from Fatigue: Many tractor-trailer drivers face pressure to complete deliveries in tight time frames, leading to extended driving hours without sufficient rest breaks. This fatigue significantly increases the risk of accidents due to impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
- Violations of Company Safety Procedures: Companies sometimes prioritize profitability over safety by neglecting established safety protocols. This includes failing to perform regular vehicle inspections, skipping maintenance checks, or not adhering to safety training schedules for their drivers, all of which can jeopardize the safety of drivers and the public.
Addressing these issues is critical for ensuring compliance with FMCSA guidelines and enhancing road safety.
Trucking Company Rules & Regulations
Over the past decades, unsafe driving habits have landed some commercial motor vehicle carriers in legal trouble, prompting the creation of stricter corporate policies. However, these policies are only effective if enforced. Trucking companies will find loopholes in their policies, allowing them to continue these unsafe procedures.
Dealing with Trucking Companies
Obtaining adequate compensation for your injuries is not always as simple as it seems. Trucking company insurers notoriously undervalue claims, even for victims who have been seriously injured or even killed. Their main goal is to minimize your claim as much as possible, so they pay as little as possible, even when they violate federal regulations. The insurer may immediately dispatch someone to the scene and try to convince victims to take the lowest settlement offered.
If you feel your collision was a direct result of the negligence of a trucking company, it is essential to contact an experienced tractor-trailer collision attorney as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can walk you through the steps of pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Tractor-Trailer Collision Attorneys
Trucking company negligence is a serious issue with far-reaching consequences. Companies need to prioritize safety and adhere to regulations to prevent accidents. If you find yourself a victim of such negligence, taking legal action can provide you with the compensation you need and promote safer practices within the industry. If you or a loved one have been severely injured due to the negligence of a trucking company, you need to speak with a skilled tractor-trailer accident lawyer.
Maginnis Howard’s experienced tractor-trailer accident lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for victims and their families. Our attorneys represent personal injury victims on a contingency basis- you don’t pay unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation. We represent clients across the Carolinas from our Charlotte, Raleigh, and Fayetteville offices.
