When you have been in an accident that involves a truck, untangling the liability is a bit trickier than if you were in an accident with another car. This is because there are many parties that can hold some responsibility due to the multiple interests invested the truck, versus the car. In general, the parties that could have liability include the trucking company, third-party contractors, the driver, the owner of the truck, insurance companies, and even governmental agencies depending on the circumstances of the accident. For this reason, all accidents in Arizona that involve a truck is best served by enlisting the guidance of an experienced Arizona trucking accident attorney at ELG.
We are going to discuss the instances when the trucking company is liable for damages in an accident. There are, in fact, many ways that a trucking company can be negligent in their practices and held liable during a trucking accident. Some of these actions include:
- Hiring unqualified drivers
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Non-compliance to federal regulations
- Hiding or not reporting violations by drivers
Unqualified Drivers
The trucking industry is facing a severe deficit in the number of truck drivers available for the amount of demand needed. As a result, companies are indiscrimatently hiring any and all interested parties to fill the void. Companies that are working to meet the demands of transportation shipping are often sending out ill-equipped and poorly trained truckers on the road, and that results in dangers for both the truckers as well as all other drivers.
When a company has been found negligent in their hiring and dispatch of employees such as drivers not having the proper license, qualifications, training, or understanding of laws and guidelines, the legal responsibility of an accident by one of these trucks falls on the company.
Not Reporting Driver Violations
It is understandable when an unqualified or untrained driver makes mistakes on the road because they don’t have the adequate skill set to equip them on how to manage and operate a large truck. In some circumstances, the individuals who are put behind the wheel haven’t been vetted and can be irresponsible, which is something the company should have taken the time to investigate and become familiar with prior to allowing them to work. Violations that may be hidden or not reported by companies include:
- Intoxicated drivers
- Improper driving practices like running red lights, speeding, reckless driving
- Inadequate sleep and rest breaks
- Hauls that are overweight
- Allowing trucks to be dispatched without safely loaded and secured goods
When a company knows about these violations and has done nothing about it, this results in their ownership of any accidents that result.
Poor Truck Maintenance and Inspection
If companies fail to meet their obligations to keep these vehicles safe through regular inspections, repairs, maintenance, and adjustments liability by the trucking company for negligently allowing an unsafe vehicle on the road will result.
Non-Compliance with Federal Regulations
Standard guidelines relating to the much-needed rest that drivers are required to have in order to be safe and alert on the road can be ignored by trucking companies in an effort to expedite transportation. When drivers are not provided with basics like these, they are unsafe on the road as a result and liability fall on the company.
Unsafe Loading
Before a truck is dispatched their goods must be checked to ensure that the straps are tight, everything is measured to fit properly, the weight meets guidelines, the truck is balanced, and that everything is secure. When these steps are not taken everyone on the road is in danger, and the company is responsible for this lack of proper security and oversight.
Arizona Trucking Accident Attorneys
Accidents that involve trucks are often very severe in their damages and injuries. A trucking company can reduce risks by taking the appropriate and responsible steps to ensure that they are allowing only safe drivers and vehicles on the road, and when they fail, they are negligent and will be held responsible. When you have been in a trucking accident, contact one of ELG’s trucking accident lawyers in Phoenix to help you with your claim. Call our Pheonix or Mesa Arizona law offices today at 623-562-3838.
The post When the Trucking Company is Liable for Trucking Accidents in Arizona appeared first on Escamilla Law Group, PLLC..
source https://www.elgphx.com/when-the-trucking-company-is-liable-for-trucking-accidents-in-arizona/
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