Waldorf Truck Accident Attorneys for Trucking Company Negligence

Lawyers Holding Trucking Companies Liable for Truck Accidents in Waldorf, MD

In many cases, commercial truck accidents are caused by the negligence of truck drivers. A commercial driver who drives while fatigued, commits traffic violations, or engages in unsafe behavior may be responsible for injuring others in a collision. However, a trucking company may also share responsibility for an accident because it failed to ensure that its drivers were following the right procedures or that its vehicles were safe.

When a trucking company has violated FMCSA regulations or has not followed the correct safety practices, it may be held responsible for the injuries that have occurred because of its negligence. At Farmer & Klopfer, our attorneys understand the regulations that apply to trucking companies and the ways their negligence can lead to dangerous truck accidents. We have the experience needed to hold these companies liable for the injuries that our clients have suffered and ensure that they will be required to pay compensation for the damages that have occurred in a truck accident.

Failure to Verify Driver Qualifications

Before allowing a person to operate a commercial truck, a trucking company is required to verify that the driver meets the proper qualifications. A company must verify that a person has a valid commercial driver's license and is authorized to drive a specific type of truck or transport certain materials. A company will also need to review a person's previous employment records and driving records to identify potential safety concerns.

When a trucking company cuts corners and fails to conduct background checks, fails to contact previous employers, or overlooks information that should disqualify a person from driving a commercial vehicle, it can create a serious risk. A driver with a history of accidents, traffic violations, disqualifying medical conditions, or violations of trucking regulations may be allowed to operate a large truck, and that person may act negligently and cause a dangerous truck crash.

Failure to Provide Proper Training

Large commercial trucks are complex pieces of equipment, and a driver will need to understand how to operate a vehicle safely. Trucking companies will need to ensure that their drivers are fully trained in the operation of trucks and the specific types of cargo that they transport.

In some cases, trucking companies may hire drivers and verify that they have commercial driver's licenses, but they may fail to provide specific training that is needed for certain types of trucks or cargo. Companies may rush drivers through training programs without ensuring that they have the skills needed to operate trucks safely. When a trucking company allows a driver to operate a truck without the proper training, it may be responsible for an accident caused by that driver.

Failure to Perform Drug and Alcohol Testing

Testing to identify the use of alcohol or drugs is required for truck drivers. Trucking companies are required to perform tests before a driver begins their employment, and random tests will be required to ensure that drivers maintain safety. When a company does not conduct tests as required or allows a driver to continue driving after a positive test result, the chances that a driver will cause a truck accident due to intoxication will increase.

When investigating truck accidents, our attorneys can obtain drug and alcohol testing records. We will identify issues related to testing programs, determine whether a trucking company was negligent in handling testing, and make sure a company can be held liable for allowing a dangerous driver to continue driving.

Failure to Properly Supervise Drivers

Trucking companies will need to monitor the performance of drivers, identify safety concerns, and take corrective actions when necessary. By reviewing driving logs and other information, they may identify potential safety concerns, including signs of fatigue or medical conditions that could affect a driver's ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. A company that ignores potential safety issues or encourages drivers to continue driving even when they are fatigued or are incapable of operating a vehicle safely may be held liable for accidents caused by unsafe drivers.

Our lawyers can examine dispatch records, driver performance reviews, electronic logs, communications between drivers and dispatchers, and other information to uncover unsafe practices by trucking companies. We can take steps to ensure that companies will be held responsible for their failure to supervise drivers correctly.

Failure to Maintain Vehicles

Commercial trucks must be regularly inspected to identify any equipment-related issues that could affect the safe operation of these vehicles. Issues that are identified must be repaired, and regular maintenance must be performed to ensure that a truck can operate safely. Braking systems, tires, steering systems, lighting, trailer couplings, and other equipment will need to be maintained correctly.

When trucking companies do not meet the requirements for inspections or maintenance, trucks may break down. Issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, uncoupled trailers, or malfunctioning steering and suspension systems can lead to dangerous accidents. Our attorneys can review maintenance records and identify issues that led a truck to break down.

Contact Our Waldorf, Maryland Trucking Company Negligence Lawyers

When a trucking company's decisions and practices have led to a truck crash, the team at Farmer & Klopfer can take steps to hold the company responsible for its negligence. Our lawyers have the legal experience, investigative resources, and commitment needed to make sure these cases can be resolved successfully. To set up a free consultation and learn how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve, contact our Waldorf trucking company negligence attorneys at 301-843-3890.