Harrison Truck Accidents Caused by Inadequately Trained Truckers
Proper training is essential when you’re behind the wheel of a commercial truck. These vehicles require skills that are learned through training and actual practice. In Harrison, where roads are frequented by large trucks, inadequately trained truckers can be a significant worry.
For victims injured as a result of this poor training, it’s important to know more about these accidents and how a Harrison truck accident attorney can help them obtain compensation and justice.
How Lack of Training Causes Truck Accidents
When truck drivers aren’t properly trained, the consequences can be disastrous. Here’s how inadequate training leads to accidents:
Lack of Knowledge
A major problem is when drivers lack essential driving skills because they were not taught correctly or didn’t receive enough practice time. This could mean not knowing how to use brakes efficiently on a large vehicle, failing to recognize all the blind spots associated with big trucks, or an inability to maneuver safely, especially in inclement weather conditions.
Improper Cargo Loading
Learning how to load and secure cargo properly takes specific instructions that can get overlooked a lot of times. If items are improperly loaded or secured, this can lead to trouble, like a rollover accident or a spillage that can cause other vehicles to crash as a result.
Inadequate Response to Emergencies
Emergencies on the road, like tire blowouts, skidding in wet conditions, or having to stop suddenly, can really test a driver’s skill. Without adequate response training for these scenarios, drivers might struggle to control such a large commercial truck which could lead them right into an accident.
Failure to Adhere To Safety Protocols
A big part of truck driver training is also learning about and adhering to safety regulations, including routine inspections and hours-of-service rules that keep tired drivers off roads. If drivers are not clear on how important these protocols are – or simply aren’t taught properly – it’s much more likely that steps get skipped. For example, it’s important to inspect the vehicles regularly.
Without these general checks, issues like worn brakes or faulty signals that could prevent an accident might go unnoticed until it’s too late.
If you find yourself hurt because a truck driver wasn’t trained properly, working with an experienced legal professional can make all the difference when claiming damages for your injuries and losses.
Evidence Used to Prove Inadequate Training
To show that an accident was caused by inadequate training, several pieces of evidence can be gathered. This often includes the following:
- Training Records: Examining the driver’s history to assess if proper and comprehensive training was provided.
- Employment History: Evaluating previous job roles and responsibilities to deduce whether lack of skills or training might have played a part in the incident.
- Company Policies on Driver Education: Checking whether business policies meet industry standards with respect to continuous education and safety programs.
- Expert Witness Testimony: Bringing in individuals specialized in commercial driving to provide context related to industry training standards that may have been neglected.
- Witness Statements: Talking with other drivers and witnesses who were present during the accident can sometimes help support claims of misjudgment or incompetence that stems from insufficient skills and training.
There are many other types of evidence that can be used to prove fault, but this is a good place to start. When you work with a lawyer, they will know what needs to be reviewed and obtained and will help you build the best possible case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.