How Can Truckers or Their Companies Be Negligent in Accidents?

By Bruce MillarMay 3, 2024

Key Points:

Driver error is the most common cause of truck accidents
Often, driver error can involve negligence
Fatigue, distraction, speeding, impairment and inadequate training can contribute to accidents
It is also likely that the trucking company can be held liable for accidents due to their policies
Because truck accidents are complex, consulting with an experienced attorney can be useful in determining all parties who might be negligent and possibly liable for accidents

Truck accidents can leave a devastating trail of injuries, lost wages, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been involved in one, you’re likely facing a mountain of questions – who’s to blame, what compensation can you recover, and where do you even begin? This guide provides a clear and concise overview of negligence in truck accidents. We’ll explore how to determine fault, the common causes of truck driver negligence, and the legal steps you can take to seek justice and rebuild your life. Understanding negligence is the first step to getting the compensation you deserve.

Fatigue

Fatigue severely affects a truck driver’s ability to safely control their vehicle, increasing accident risks. Similar to the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigue causes slow reaction times and poor judgment. This can lead to dangerous driving behaviors like lane weaving or failing to observe traffic signals, and in severe cases, can cause microsleeps where the driver loses awareness temporarily.

To combat fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours of Service (HOS) regulations that limit driving hours and mandate rest periods. Despite these rules, the demanding nature of trucking schedules and practices like incentivizing early deliveries contribute to widespread driver fatigue. Factors such as irregular hours and conditions like sleep apnea also impair drivers’ alertness.

In fatigue-related accidents, both the driver and the trucking company can be at fault. Drivers may ignore rest rules or alter logs, while companies might enforce unrealistic schedules or neglect proper fatigue management training. Establishing negligence involves examining driver logs, company policies, and the accident context. For anyone involved in a truck accident suspecting fatigue as a cause, it’s crucial to review the driver’s hours, the company’s scheduling policies, and any signs of erratic driving to determine the contributing factors to the crash.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers encounter a variety of distractions that can significantly impair their ability to operate their vehicles safely. Electronic devices are a major source of distraction; activities such as texting, using handheld phones, or interacting with GPS systems can divert attention from the road. Even legally permitted hands-free devices can distract drivers if they involve complex operations. Fatigue is another critical factor, with long driving hours, demanding schedules, and sleep disorders leading to decreased alertness and slower reaction times. Other in-cab distractions include eating, adjusting controls like the radio or climate settings, and external distractions such as billboards or accident scenes.

Identifying a distracted truck driver involves observing specific behaviors and the context of their driving. Signs of distraction include swerving or drifting between lanes, erratic changes in speed, delayed reactions to traffic changes, following too closely, and not signaling lane changes. These indicators, especially when observed in combination, suggest that the driver’s focus is not fully on driving.

If you notice multiple signs of distraction, it’s advisable to maintain a safe distance from the truck and avoid overt maneuvers that could put you at risk. Reporting the trucker’s behavior to the authorities can also help prevent potential accidents. These measures are essential for ensuring road safety and mitigating the risks associated with distracted driving.

Impaired Driving

Driver impairment is a critical issue in vehicle safety, stemming from various sources that compromise a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle securely. Substance influence, including alcohol and both legal and illegal drugs, severely affects judgment, coordination, and reaction times, heightening the risk of accidents. Distraction from electronic devices, in-cab activities, or external distractions also constitutes significant impairment. Additionally, fatigue from long hours or disrupted sleep mirrors the effects of alcohol on a driver’s faculties, while certain medical conditions or medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, further impeding driving ability.

Identifying whether a trucker was impaired at the time of an accident involves observing several indicators. Physical signs such as slurred speech, poor coordination, or erratic driving behaviors like swerving and inconsistent signaling can suggest impairment from substances or fatigue. Observations of alcohol containers, drug paraphernalia, or signs of severe fatigue, such as bloodshot eyes or nodding off, also provide clear clues. Factors such as the time of day or adverse weather conditions can exacerbate the effects of impairment, making accidents more likely.

Accidents involving truck driver impairment are alarmingly common and can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Research indicates that fatigue might contribute to as many as 40% of truck accidents, according to some estimates. Substance abuse, although less frequent, presents a significant risk, with 5% of fatal truck accidents involving alcohol. The trucking industry’s demanding schedules often lead to sleep deprivation, further heightening accident risks. Despite regulations like the FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) designed to curb fatigue, violations persist, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement, better fatigue management, and increased educational efforts to highlight the dangers of impairment.

Speeding

Speeding is a common form of driver negligence in truck accidents, and it’s particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.

Increased Stopping Distance: Trucks have significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. Speeding drastically increases the time and space needed for a truck to come to a complete stop, making it much harder to avoid a collision.

Reduced Maneuverability: Speeding makes it more difficult for a truck driver to maneuver safely, especially during sudden changes in traffic patterns, sharp turns, or evasive actions to avoid obstacles.

Rollover Risk: Taking corners or curves too fast can increase the risk of a rollover accident, which can be catastrophic for both the truck driver and other vehicles involved.

Loss of Vehicle Control: At high speeds, even minor external factors like wind gusts or uneven road surfaces can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.

The consequences of speeding in a truck accident can be devastating. The force of a collision involving a speeding truck can cause severe injuries, fatalities, and widespread property damage.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that speeding is a factor in many truck accidents. For instance, a 2022 report indicated that speeding was involved in 26 percent of all fatal large truck crashes.

Inadequate Training

Inadequate training is a significant cause of truck accidents, as commercial trucks require specialized skills for safe operation. Proper training should cover essential areas such as safe maneuvering in tight spaces, understanding longer stopping distances, and awareness of large blind spots to prevent lane-changing accidents. Additionally, drivers need thorough training on conducting pre-trip inspections to identify mechanical issues and on compliance with truck-specific traffic laws like speed and weight limits, which are critical for preventing accidents.

The consequences of insufficient training are severe, leading to serious accidents that can result in injuries, fatalities, and substantial property damage. Contributing factors include the trucking industry’s high demand for drivers, which often leads to rushed and inadequate training programs. High turnover rates exacerbate this issue, continuously introducing underprepared drivers to the road. Furthermore, some companies prioritize operational efficiency over comprehensive driver training, further compromising road safety.

Improper Loading

How can improper loading contribute to an accident?

Improper truck loading is a common yet often overlooked cause of trucking accidents, contributing to various types of incidents that can implicate multiple parties in negligence. An improperly secured or imbalanced load can shift a truck’s center of gravity, causing instability especially during turns, sudden maneuvers, or abrupt stops. This instability can result in dangerous situations like rollovers, jackknife accidents, or the truck swerving into other lanes, potentially colliding with other vehicles. Additionally, unsecured cargo can fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for unsuspecting drivers who may collide with or swerve to avoid these obstacles, leading to severe accidents or pile-ups.

Responsibility for such negligence can fall on several parties. Truck drivers are required to ensure their load is securely fastened and balanced according to safety regulations. Failure to perform adequate checks or use proper tie-downs constitutes negligence. Cargo loaders also bear a crucial responsibility; they must load trucks safely and correctly, avoiding practices such as overloading or uneven distribution, which can lead to mechanical failures like tire blowouts or suspension issues. Lastly, trucking companies can be liable if they have not provided adequate training on loading procedures or if they encourage practices that compromise safety. To determine if improper loading contributed to an accident, evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and observations of the truck’s condition post-accident are essential. These pieces of evidence can help prove that the accident was a result of faulty loading practices.

Failure to Maintain Vehicle

Failure to maintain commercial trucks is a major safety violation and often leads to accidents. Here’s how neglected maintenance can cause danger:

Brake Failure: Worn brakes, faulty air systems, or hydraulic leaks reduce stopping power, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.

Tire Blowouts: Poorly maintained tires are prone to blowouts, causing trucks to lose control, possibly leading to rollovers or debris hazards.

Steering Issues: Faulty steering components can impair driver control, raising the risk of accidents, especially at high speeds or during sudden maneuvers.

Faulty Lighting: Non-functioning lights reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of collisions in poor visibility conditions.

Other Mechanical Failures: Overlooked engine or suspension issues can result in loss of vehicle control.

Responsibility for Maintenance:

Truck Drivers: Must conduct pre-trip checks and report issues. Neglect here can be seen as negligence.
Trucking Companies: Are required to ensure regular maintenance per FMCSA regulations, address issues promptly, and keep thorough maintenance records.
Mechanics: Faulty repairs or overlooked problems during inspections can lead to liability for accidents.

Identifying Maintenance-Related Accident Contributions:

Truck Damage: Examining the truck’s condition post-accident can reveal signs like worn tires or brake damage.
Maintenance Records: Reviewing these can show a pattern of neglected maintenance.
Driver Logs: These might note previously reported mechanical issues that were not fixed.

Ignoring Weather Conditions

Ignoring weather conditions in trucking can lead to negligence, impacting the safe operation of the vehicle.

Impact on Driving:

Reduced Traction and Control: Rain, snow, ice, and fog reduce tire-road contact, complicating braking, accelerating, and steering. This increases risks of skidding and collisions.
Increased Stopping Distances: Bad weather lengthens trucks’ already long stopping distances, necessitating slower speeds and greater following distances.
Decreased Visibility: Heavy rain, fog, or snow impairs visibility, making it hard to see other road users and hazards.
High Winds: Strong winds can destabilize trucks, particularly on elevated roads or bridges.

Examples of Negligence:

Failure to Adjust Speed: Maintaining high speeds in poor weather conditions shows negligence.
Driving in Extreme Conditions: Continuing to drive when weather severely impairs visibility or road usability is negligent.
Ignoring Safety Warnings: Disregarding posted speed limits or weather advisories during adverse conditions constitutes negligence.

Whose responsibility is it to recognize and respond to weather conditions?

The Truck Driver: Drivers must check weather forecasts for their routes and adjust their driving for safety, even if it means delaying schedules.

The Trucking Company: Companies should implement bad weather policies, equip trucks for various conditions, and set communication protocols or delay deliveries in severe weather.

Identifying Weather-Related Factors in Truck Accidents:

Weather Reports: Confirm the weather at the accident site to understand conditions drivers faced.
Police Reports: These may detail how weather impacted the accident.
Witness Statements: Witnesses can offer insights on conditions like poor visibility or strong winds.
Truck Wreckage: Signs of sliding or loss of control might indicate weather-related issues.

What Violation of Traffic Laws are Common Factors in Truck Accidents?

Truck drivers, like all motorists, must follow traffic laws, but violations by large trucks are especially risky and likely to cause severe accidents. Key concerns include:

Speeding: Trucks need longer to stop due to their weight, making speeding particularly dangerous as it limits safe stopping ability, raising the risk of crashes.
Tailgating: Given their braking needs, trucks require more following distance. Tailgating cuts reaction time, increasing rear-end collision chances.
Improper Lane Changes: Large trucks have significant blind spots. Failing to check these properly can lead to side collisions.
Ignoring Traffic Signals: Disobeying traffic lights and signs can be disastrous for large trucks.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drugs impair truck drivers similarly to car drivers, enhancing accident risks.
Distracted Driving: Activities like using phones or eating while driving are riskier for truck operators due to the vehicle size.
Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors heighten accident probabilities.
Hours of Service Violations: Not adhering to mandated driving and rest periods can result in fatigue, akin to impairment from intoxication.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failing to maintain brakes, tires, and lights can cause mechanical failures, leading to accidents.
Overloading: Exceeding truck weight limits impacts handling and braking, increasing rollover and control loss risks.