Most of the time, one of the drivers involved in a crash is primarily to blame for the collision because of their choices leading up to the wreck. However, there are some times outside parties who contribute to the chance of a crash occurring.
In a collision that involves a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle, the commercial driver might be to blame for the wreck. However, their employer may have helped cause the crash. The following are some of the ways that transportation companies increase the risk of serious collisions.
Negligent hiring practices
Some transportation companies make too many compromises when hiring workers. They ignore a history of significant safety violations or indicators of substance abuse issues. The drivers they hire could then cause crashes due to unsafe practices or chemical impairment.
Improper training and supervision
If transportation companies do not provide adequate training, newly-licensed commercial drivers could very easily make mistakes that cause crashes. Failing to supervise drivers might mean that a company overlooks warning signs of unsafe practices that require correction.
Over-scheduling drivers
Transportation companies often make promises to clients about how quickly they can deliver goods and materials. They might leave no wiggle room in a driver’s schedule. There are limits to how long commercial drivers can be on the road. Over-scheduling commercial drivers might lead to them violating Hours of Service rules or speeding, both of which could cause crashes.
Improperly loading trucks
If a company fails to tell a driver that a trailer is actually empty, the driver may not be able to effectively brake when they need to slow down or stop. Overloading the truck is similarly problematic.
Improper loading, possibly by putting too much weight on one side of the trunk, could lead to a jackknife incident or a rollover. Failing to notify a driver of hanging items or liquid cargo can also potentially cause a crash.
Improper vehicle maintenance
Vehicle maintenance and repairs are crucial to how a vehicle performs in dangerous circumstances. Roughly 10% of all crashes caused by commercial vehicles are the result of issues with the vehicle. Failing to prioritize maintenance can lead to preventable collisions.
Violating state and federal transportation regulations
There is a no-text rule that prohibits drivers of commercial vehicles from handling digital devices. Some Transportation companies require that drivers remain accessible via text message or email on dispatch devices. Such policies can force drivers to violate driving regulations. Transportation companies May encourage drivers to stay out on the road for longer than they should and to alter the records of when they drove to make it seem as though they were in compliance with the law.
When a transportation company directly contributes to a crash, it may be liable for the losses that victims incur. Determining who is at fault for a collision is important for those who need compensation accordingly.