To safely operate massive commercial trucks, drivers require the right skills, precision, and a deep understanding of the relevant safety protocols. However, not all drivers are equally prepared for the challenges of the road.
Truck accidents caused by inexperienced, inadequately trained drivers are more common than many people believe, often resulting in devastating injuries and fatalities. If a trucking company fails to prepare its drivers for their work behind the wheel, it may be held liable for any collisions that occur.
Inexperienced Drivers and Inadequate Training Can Be Dangerous
Compared to driving a passenger car, operating a large, commercial vehicle requires much more than knowing the rules of the road. These roles demand extensive knowledge and experience.
Truck drivers need to work long hours and traverse unpredictable highways. If a driver does not have enough experience or lacks training, they may not be able to handle emergencies, understand the dynamics of a large truck, or anticipate the actions of other drivers. This lack of preparedness can lead to critical mistakes, such as misjudging stopping distances, failing to maneuver safely, or improperly securing cargo—all of which can result in accidents with serious if not fatal, consequences. Speak to a personal injury lawyer in Louisville to learn more today.
Why Would Trucking Companies Hire Inexperienced or Undertrained Drivers?
Trucking companies face various pressures that may lead them to hire inexperienced or undertrained drivers:
- High Demand for Drivers: The constant demand for transportation and delivery services, exacerbated by the growth of online retail, puts pressure on companies to fill driver positions quickly, sometimes at the expense of thorough training.
- High Turnover Rates: Some companies experience high turnover rates, compelling them to continually recruit new drivers, who may not always receive comprehensive training due to time and resource constraints.
- Cost Reduction: Comprehensive training programs are costly. Some companies may cut corners on training to save money, putting inexperienced drivers on the road before they are ready.
- Lack of Qualified Candidates: There is often a shortage of qualified drivers, leading some companies to hire individuals with less experience or training than desired, hoping to provide on-the-job training that may not be sufficient.
Who Is Liable for an Accident Caused by a New or Poorly Trained Driver?
If you are injured in an accident caused by an inexperienced or poorly trained driver, you have the right to pursue an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. While the driver may be directly responsible for the actions leading to the accident, the trucking company may also hold liability for negligent hiring and training practices.
These companies are expected to ensure their drivers are fully prepared to operate their vehicles safely. Failure to do so can be seen as a breach of their duty to the public. To establish this liability, your Louisville truck accident lawyer can help you gather training records, hiring policies, and other documents that can help prove the company’s breach of duty.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney and Seek Justice Today
Inexperienced drivers and inadequate training are significant factors in truck accidents. At Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to advocating for those affected by this negligence and holding companies accountable for their dangerous hiring practices. If you have been involved in an accident due to driver inexperience or lack of training, contact us today and learn how we can help you recover the compensation that you deserve.