How Do Inexperienced Truck Drivers Cause Accidents?
Commercial trucks transport approximately 72.6 percent of the freight in the nation by weight. While these vehicles are extremely important to the economy, they also pose certain dangers to other motorists on the road. This is particularly true when the person driving the truck does not have the necessary experience to do so. So, how do inexperienced truck drivers cause accidents? Our San Antonio truck accident lawyer explains more below.
What Training Do Truck Drivers Need?
Anyone who wants to drive a commercial truck must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers to pass a knowledge and skills test in order to obtain this type of license. The Texas Department of Public Safety also requires anyone who applies for a CDL to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license. There are many different classes of CDL licenses, depending on the size and type of truck one drives. Truckers must also obtain certain endorsements for transporting certain types of materials.
Why Do Inexperienced Truck Drivers Cause Accidents?
When a truck driver does not have the proper experience to drive a big rig, it can easily result in a crash. Transport trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded, making them difficult to control and stop in certain conditions.
Inexperienced truck drivers may not be able to control their vehicle in inclement weather and congested traffic or when there is a mechanical malfunction or their load shifts during transport. For example, when the tires of a truck are not properly maintained, they could blow out while on the road. This alone is dangerous for anyone in the nearby vicinity. In addition to this, inexperienced drivers may lose control of the vehicle and crash into nearby vehicles. An experienced driver, on the other hand, may be able to control a truck with a blown tire to prevent a crash.
Liability for a Crash Involving an Inexperienced Driver
It makes sense that when an inexperienced truck driver causes a crash, they can be held liable for it. In most cases, this is true. However, inexperienced truckers are not the only ones that can be held liable for these crashes.
Trucking companies also have a responsibility to make sure they are only hiring experienced drivers and to provide them with adequate training. When they fail to do this, they can also be held liable for paying damages. It is important to identify all negligent parties after a crash with an inexperienced truck driver so you can claim the full damages you are entitled to.
Our Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Determine Liability in Your Case
At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer can determine if an inexperienced driver caused your crash and hold them and the trucking company accountable for paying maximum compensation after a crash. Call or text us now at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more.
Source:
trucking.org/economics-and-industry-data
