Trucking Accident Injury Claims Are Often Due to Common Truck Driver Violations

When you are driving next to a big rig, does it ever cross your mind if the truck driver steering the large semi has had the proper sleep? Or maybe you wonder if the truck driver is medically fit to be driving a large truck. These thoughts probably cross your mind because large commercial trucks can be very dangerous to share the road with when truck drivers are sleepy, medicated, distracted, or otherwise negligent at the wheel.

When truck drivers make mistakes while driving rigs that can weigh around 80,000 pounds, the people sharing the road with those truck drivers are often the ones to suffer life-threatening injuries in trucking accidents. Unfortunately, the reality is that truck drivers do make mistakes behind the wheel that lead to crashes and catastrophic injuries.

Three Truck Driver Violations

According to truckinginfo.com, there are three common truck driver CSA violations that are of concern. CSA is the government’s Compliance, Safety, and Accountability program carried out by roadside inspectors. Here are the three common violations made by truck drivers:

1. Truck drivers’ logs. When trucking companies don’t inforce their truck drivers to keep their log books up to date, truck drivers often fail to stay current on their logs. This is a violation. In fact, according to truckinginfo.com, these types of violations account for one quarter of all roadside inspection violations. The concern to the public here is the possibility that truck drivers are driving too many hours before taking the proper rest breaks. Unfortunately, drowsy driving can lead to truck wrecks.
2. Truck drivers’ medical issues. When truck drivers get behind the wheel while they are physically ill or without a valid medical certificate, it is a huge concern. In fact, truck drivers who are sick or are taking medications for their allergies and colds can do some serious damage on the road. It is important that all trucking companies make sure their drivers are physically fit to drive and have current medical cards; however, one in eight driver violations was for medical issues, according to truckinginfo.com.
3. Truck drivers’ English ability. According to truckinginfo.com, nine percent of all driver violations was due to the truck driver’s English ability. When truck drivers can’t speak with compliance officers or fill out paperwork in English, they are in violation.

As you can see from this list, there are several violations caused by truck drivers and trucking companies that can lead to serious truck crashes, catastrophic injuries and even fatalities.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Trucking Accident

If you were injured in a trucking accident, or a loved one was killed by a large truck, it is critical that you speak with a trusted personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. You need to know about your rights and make sure an accident attorney is gathering evidence right away that can help your claim against the trucking company. Call the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at 866-9 HELP NOW or (561) 960-5515(561) 960-5515 if you have been in a truck accident in South Florida. You will receive a free consultation and help today.