A tractor-trailer should always be operated with the absolute highest degree of care. Forbes Magazine reports that nearly 6,000 people are killed in commercial truck accidents nationwide annually. Many more sustain terrible injuries. Truck companies have a duty to ensure that they hire safe, trained, licensed drivers. Here, our Kansas City semi-truck accident lawyer highlights the risk of unsafe truckers and explains your rights/options if you are involved in a crash.
Operating a Commercial Truck Requires Skill, Training, and Experience
The average tractor-trailer is 72 feet long. When fully loaded, it can weigh a maximum of 40 tons in Missouri and Kansas. Operating a commercial truck demands a high level of skill, thorough training, and significant experience. A truck driver must have the proper Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). It is the responsibility of a truck company to ensure that their drivers undergo rigorous training programs that cover vehicle handling, safety regulations, and emergency procedures.
Unsafe Truckers Pose a Serious Safety Hazard
Truck drivers who lack proper training or who exhibit unsafe driving behaviors pose a severe risk on the roads. Notably, three-quarters of people killed or severely injured in commercial truck accidents in the United States were outside the truck (occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, etc). Trucker safety is a must. Inexperienced and otherwise dangerous truckers are at a higher risk of being involved in a crash. Improper training can lead to mistakes in vehicle handling. Beyond that, unsafe truckers are more likely to violate traffic safety laws.
A Truck Company Can Be Liable for Hiring Dangerous Drivers
In Missouri and Kansas, liability for a semi-truck accident is based on fault (negligence). A trucking company holds significant responsibility for the actions of its drivers. When a company fails to conduct thorough background checks or knowingly hires drivers with poor safety records, it can be held liable for any damages caused by these drivers. Every large truck accident should be thoroughly investigated to determine precisely what went wrong.
A Trucker’s Driver Record May Be Crucial Evidence in a Personal Injury Claim
In personal injury claims involving truck accidents, the trucker’s driving record can be a key piece of evidence in proving negligence. A truck company may not willingly give up evidence regarding a driver’s record—such as their experience, training, and history of previous safety violations. An experienced Kansas City truck accident lawyer can take proactive measures to compel a truck company and/or its insurer to turn over relevant evidence.
Contact Our Kansas City Trucking Accident Lawyer for Immediate Legal Help
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City truck accident attorney is a tenacious advocate for justice. Were you or a loved one hurt in a semi-truck accident caused by an unsafe trucker? We are here to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our firm handles truck accident injury cases throughout the Kansas City metro area, including in Kansas and Missouri.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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