Trucking company negligence can be a crucial factor in a crash. Maryland truck accident attorneys know that various factors can cause trucking accidents. In addition, several parties can also be liable for any truck collisions. Therefore, lawyers are vital to determining truck accident liability. One notable cause of truck crashes is trucking company negligence. Trucking companies are often responsible for the trucks on the road.

Furthermore, they’re responsible for the truck drivers. So, the trucking company is responsible for ensuring that their trucks or drivers don’t endanger other road users. If they neglect this duty of care, they’d be liable for any consequential accidents. Therefore, you can sue the trucking company to recover damages.

Common Examples of Trucking Company Negligence 

Below, we examine some circumstances where a trucking company can negligently cause vehicle collisions.

Hiring Unqualified Drivers

Trucks require more driving skills and experience than passenger vehicles. Furthermore, the danger trucks pose demands that companies hire only the best drivers. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. The reality is that trucking companies sometimes hurry through the hiring process. One reason is the scarcity of truck drivers in the US.

Whatever the case, suppose that a company negligently hires truckers. Then, they’ll be liable for any consequential accidents. Such negligence can manifest by hiring drivers with:

• Poor driving skills
• Multiple traffic violations
• Invalid or expired driving licenses
• Ignorance of trucking laws and guidelines

Covering Drivers’ Legal Violations

When companies hire unqualified truckers, they’re bound to disregard traffic laws. This would also be the case where companies don’t consistently train their drivers. Examples of such violations include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Over-speeding and aggressive driving
• Exceeding truck cargo limits
• Ignoring driver fatigue and resting hours

Sadly, trucking companies often ignore these terrible habits. When they do, they become complicit in any truck collision.

Disobeying Federal Regulations

Federal laws regulate the activities of Maryland truck drivers. For example, the law has mandatory hours of service stipulating how long truckers can drive. It also mandates a 30-minute break after driving for eight straight hours. These rules aim to prevent fatigued driving. This is because a tired driver can experience:

• Drowsiness while driving
• Frequent distractions
• Headaches and other health problems
• Terrible driving judgments and poor reactions

Trucking companies are also often at the forefront of disobeying these guidelines. But, when they do, the company could be liable for damages in an eventual truck accident.

Negligent Loading 

Sometimes, trucking companies load trucks themselves. So, they may have separate employees that load truck cargos. If the company negligently handles truck cargo, accidents can result. Furthermore, careless loading as a result of trucking company negligence can manifest in several ways, including:

1. Overloading: Trucks usually have cargo limits. Exceeding these limits can easily lead to spill-over accidents. Tire blowouts can also result from heavy cargo.
2. Incorrect Loading: trucks often have specific loading requirements. For example, a good cargo loader will know how to balance cargo weight correctly. This is important because wrongly placing cargo weight can thus result in jackknife accidents.
3. Under-Filling Tankers: Tanker trucks carry various types of liquids. Moreover, loaders should ensure that they fill the trucks appropriately. This is to prevent fluid from sloshing around during transportation. Furthermore, many truckers will find it challenging to control unfilled trucks.

Inadequate Maintenance and Inspection

Trucking companies are usually responsible for maintaining their trucks. Unfortunately, sometimes trucking company negligence comes into play when they ignore their duty. Therefore, it’s not unusual to see unfit trucks plying Maryland roads. Full inspection of trucks would be the correct attitude. Furthermore, these inspections should run before and after each trip.

Trucking companies avoid this responsibility for various reasons. For example, they could be trying to save costs. Furthermore, some companies only cut corners when they need trucks for emergency runs. Whatever the case, inadequate maintenance is deadly. A faulty truck can cause accidents through brake and engine failures, tire blowouts, etc.

Suffered Losses From a Maryland Truck Accident? Our Lawyers Can Help You!

Have you survived a Maryland truck accident? If you have, then you may be eligible for compensation. However, you must first determine which party caused the collision. If it’s the truck company, you must also know which particular negligent act caused the crash. This means that you need the best Maryland truck accident attorneys.

Fortunately, the lawyers you need work at Pinder Plotkin, LLC. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with truck accident liability. So, we’ve dealt with various negligent trucking companies. Consequently, we can easily prove truck accident liability. We also have an excellent track record of winning significant settlements for our clients. Therefore, it’ll be best to call us today for a free consultation.