Inadequately trained commercial truck drivers have the potential to put everyone on the road at risk. Commercial truck drivers typically include the drivers of big rigs, tractor-trailers, and other large trucks. Individuals who operate these vehicles on a regular basis must first be equipped with a CDL (i.e., a commercial driver’s license) prior to operating the truck. They also need to undergo a certain amount of behind-the-wheel training before they are able to drive these large vehicles on their own. Commercial truck drivers must also recertify on a regular basis.
In addition to the truck drivers themselves, trucking companies have a duty to ensure that their drivers complete all of their recertification requirements in a timely manner and possess the knowledge, skills, and training necessary to operate these large vehicles.
When a truck driver does not have the necessary experience and training to operate a large truck and abide by Michigan state regulations, and a serious accident occurs, the truck driver and the trucking company could be on the line for negligence. If you have suffered injuries in an accident that was caused by a poorly trained truck driver, you may be able to take legal action against the trucking company and/or the negligent truck driver. The Michigan commercial truck accident lawyers at Thurswell Law may be able to help by filing a claim or lawsuit on your behalf and seeking the damages for your injuries that you deserve.
What Happens When Truck Drivers Are Not Properly Trained?
When truck drivers are not adequately trained in operating large trucks on the roadway, they can cause serious accidents. When these accidents occur, both the truck driver and/or the trucking company could be responsible for the injuries and damages sustained by others in the accident. Some examples of truck driver negligence that can result from poor driver training include the following:
- Following other motor vehicles too closely on highways and other roadways
- Failing to appreciate or calculate the necessary turn radius at intersections
- Failing to allow for proper stopping distance when approaching an intersection
- Failing to give proper attention to the roadway or engaging in distracted driving while behind the wheel
- Failing to activate undercarriage lights, warning lights, and other lights or safety equipment that are present on either the tractor or the trailer
- Failing to abide by the necessary emergency procedures for the vehicle which the driver is operating
- Failing to abide by state and local motor carrier regulations, especially as they pertain to load sizes and weight limits
- Failing to secure cargo to the trailer in a proper manner that would prevent it from falling off
- Ignoring right of way rules that pertain to large trucks and tractor-trailers
When truck drivers fail to abide by these rules and regulations, they can cause serious accidents that are compensable under the law. If you have suffered an injury as a result of a poorly or inadequately trained truck driver, the Michigan truck accident lawyers at Thurswell Law might be able to assist.
The Accidents That Can Result
When truck drivers are not adequately trained in the art of operating a large truck, serious accidents can occur. This is especially true on highways when trucks are operating at very high speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour. When truck drivers operate their vehicles in a negligent manner, it could result in any of the following:
- Chain-reaction collisions
- Tractor or trailer overturns
- Chemical spills in the roadway that lead to a fire
- Cargo sliding off the end of the trailer and into the path of another motor vehicle
Taking Legal Action in a Commercial Truck Accident Case
In some truck accident cases, especially where the accident victim suffers a permanent disability or injury, the accident victim might be able to file a claim or lawsuit against a negligent truck driver or trucking company. In these types of cases, the accident victim has the burden of proving negligence on the part of the defendant.
A truck driver, for example, might be negligent if he or she violates one or more traffic laws in existence at the time. A trucking company could be negligent if it hires an inexperienced employee to drive a truck, or retains a truck driver who has a bad driving record. The trucking company could also be in breach of its duty if it fails to ensure that employee drivers renew their CDL licenses in a timely manner or abide by continuing education requirements.
Our Michigan truck accident attorneys can determine if you have a valid cause of action against an individual truck driver or against a trucking company.
Damages in a Michigan Commercial Truck Accident Case
If you were seriously injured in a Michigan truck accident, you may be able to claim damages. Your damages could include not only compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, but also compensation for lost earnings, pain, and suffering. You could also pursue compensation for loss of family support or spousal companionship — or for loss of use of a body part or lost enjoyment of life. The legal team at Thurswell Law could pursue any or all of these damages on your behalf and will seek the maximum recovery possible.
Call an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Michigan Today
When commercial truck drivers are dispatched to the road without having the proper knowledge, training, or experience, serious accidents with other motor vehicles can result. Even though the negligent truck driver might be the primary defendant, trucking companies could also be defendants in these cases under certain circumstances.
If you have been injured in a truck accident that happened due to an inadequately trained commercial truck driver, time might be of the essence in your case. You should call the experienced truck accident lawyers at Thurswell Law to represent you in your case as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation or case evaluation with a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer, please contact us online or call Thurswell Law at (248) 354-2222. Let us help you pursue monetary compensation in your case today.
