Commercial trucks play a vital role in the U.S. economy. Without tractor-trailers and delivery trucks, raw materials and finished goods would not get to their destinations quickly and efficiently, and consumers would struggle to get food, clothing and other necessities.
At the same time, the fact that we share the highways with semi trucks creates potential danger. If a truck driver does not operate the vehicle with sufficient care, or if the trucking company does not keep the truck in proper working condition, disaster can result. The truck can cause a terrible wreck, and people can get badly hurt.
Truck accident happen for a wide variety of reasons, but often the truck driver’s employer is to blame. Common forms of company negligence include:
- Failing to ensure its drivers are adequately trained on driving technique, defensive driving and safety.
- Setting unrealistic schedules or expectations that prod drivers to speed for fear of losing their jobs.
- Similarly, maintaining a compensation system that encourages dangerous speeds and too many consecutive hours behind the wheel, which can lead to driver fatigue.
In personal injury law, when a person who negligently causes injury to someone else while in the course of his or her work duties, the worker’s employer is potentially liable for the victim’s injuries. This means, depending on the circumstances of the crash, the victim could be allowed to sue the employer for damages. The employer will likely have the financial resources to more fully compensate the victim than the driver.
If you were caught in a crash with a semi truck and were hurt as a result, it is important to speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.