Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

The Trucking Company

• They may act negligently or carelessly.
• They may encourage drivers to work more hours than they should.
• They may not handle background checks for their drivers and ignore past legal offenses.
• They may ignore the criminal records of new drivers.
• They may ignore problems of substance abuse or alcohol when hiring new drivers.
• They may not inspect, maintain, or equip commercial vehicles with appropriate safety and emergency equipment.

The Truck Manufacturer

Accidents can also happen if the commercial vehicle has defects. The parts that tend to fail, causing accidents involving commercial vehicles, include:

• Tires
• Brakes
• Gears
• Hydraulics
• Lights

It is essential that these parts are in perfect condition to function properly and maintain the safety of the driver and others on the road. Auto parts manufacturers can also be held responsible for some accidents.

The Trucker

• They may fail to conduct vehicle inspections.
• They may drive over the speed limit, on bad roads, or during bad weather.
• They may carry out illegal driving maneuvers.
• They may improperly load or secure their cargo.
• They may drive on too little sleep.
• They may drive distracted (using the cell phone, changing the radio, etc.).
• They may drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.