Do Truck Drivers Get Fired for Causing Accidents?

Truck drivers are notorious for causing horrible accidents that can have catastrophic consequences. Even if drivers or occupants in passenger vehicles are fortunate enough to survive the wreck, they will often suffer injuries that can require years of recovery and result in astronomical medical expenses. In far too many instances, these victims will never fully recover. But can they be fired for causing accidents?

While they can be fired for negligence and face stiff fines, the only way a victim can genuinely seek justice is to hire an experienced lawyer.

A truck accident attorney with the Jones Law Group will be ready to help if you’ve suffered an injury due to a negligent truck driver. We have a team of experts who will help you navigate all the complexities of this kind of case and help you obtain maximum compensation. You can contact us online to schedule a free consultation, or you can give us a call at (727) 571-1333.

How Do Truck Drivers Cause Accidents?

There are many different reasons truck drivers cause accidents, and these are just a few of them.

Speeding

Speeding by truck drivers can cause accidents in several ways. First, a truck traveling at high speed has a longer stopping distance, which means that the driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. Additionally, a truck driver traveling too fast is more likely to lose control in adverse weather conditions or on slick roads.

Finally, a speeding truck is more likely to cause a severe accident due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicle. This size difference can result in more damage and injuries than a similar accident involving a smaller vehicle.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) by truck drivers can cause accidents in several ways as well, including the following:

• Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to make quick decisions, which are all crucial for safe driving, especially for large vehicles like trucks.
• Impaired drivers are more likely to speed, tailgate, make poor lane changes, and fail to obey traffic laws, which increases the risk of a collision.
• They’re also more likely to fall asleep at the wheel, which can result in a severe accident.

The combination of a large, heavy vehicle and an impaired driver can lead to more severe accidents and more damage and injuries than a similar accident involving a smaller vehicle.

Road Rage

When truck drivers experience road rage, they may engage in reckless or aggressive driving behaviors. These behaviors include tailgating, cutting off other drivers, running red lights or stop signs, and making sudden lane changes. These actions can put other drivers at risk of a collision.

A truck driver experiencing road rage may lose control of their emotions. This can lead to verbal or physical altercations with other drivers, which can increase the risk of an accident. Enraged truck drivers may also drive at high speed, which can increase the risk of a crash and more severe accidents due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicle.

Trucking Regulations that Prevent These Behaviors

Several trucking regulations are in place to prevent dangerous driver behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence, and road rage. Some examples include:

• Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limit a truck driver’s hours on the road in a given time period. These regulations are designed to prevent fatigued driving, which can lead to accidents.
• Medical qualifications mandate truck drivers to pass a physical examination. They also must obtain a medical certificate to ensure they are fit to drive.
• Drug and alcohol testing is mandatory for truck drivers.  This is to ensure they are not impaired while on the job.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) are mandatory on most trucks. They record and electronically transmit a truck driver’s driving hours, which can help enforce HOS regulations and ensure compliance.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) regulations mandate truck drivers to pass a written and practical test. This ensures they have the knowledge and skills required to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Truck Drivers Have a Duty to Protect Others on the Road

Truck drivers – regardless of whether they’re just starting out or have years of experience – have a legal duty to protect others on the road and a moral obligation to do so. This includes adhering to traffic laws and regulations, driving defensively, and being aware of the risks of semi-truck driving.

Failure to fulfill this duty can result in accidents and injuries to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Truck drivers are also responsible for ensuring that their vehicle is in safe operating condition. That includes regular maintenance, inspecting the vehicle, and ensuring any cargo is adequately secured.

Are Truck Drivers Solely At-Fault for Causing Accidents?

Not all the time. Many truck accidents occur due to a combination of factors, and multiple parties may be responsible for the crash. For example, a trucking company may be liable for an accident if they failed to maintain their vehicles correctly. Or if they pressured drivers to violate hours of service regulations. The manufacturer of a truck or its parts might be liable if a vehicle or its components caused an accident.

You’ll need to hire an attorney as soon as you can so they can investigate the accident, determine why it occurred, and then determine all the parties that may be liable for your injury.

Are Truck Drivers Fired for Causing Accidents?

Truck drivers are professionals with a high level of responsibility. Because of the size and weight of their vehicles, employers hold them to a higher standard. Violations of regulations can result in fines, penalties, and the revocation of a truck driver’s commercial driver’s license. However, even if they aren’t fired for causing accidents, rest easy knowing that you’ll receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact Jones Law Group if You Were Involved in a Truck Accident

Talk to a Jones Law Group truck accident lawyer for more information on how we can help you hold a negligent truck driver accountable for their actions. Use our online contact form or call (727) 571-1333 for a free case review.