Properly operating a truck requires specific skills, training, and a commercial driver’s license. State and federal regulations require extra steps to ensure that drivers are safe to get behind the wheel of a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds.
Despite these rules, trucking companies may ignore them in their rush to get more drivers on the road to make them more money. This can lead to accidents caused by inadequate training. An experienced San Antonio accident attorney can review your case to determine if inadequate training contributed to the truck accident that injured you and pursue the compensation you deserve from the negligent trucking company.
Federal Truck Driver Training Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets federal trucking regulations, including training curriculum and rules that truck drivers must follow. The federal agency also dictates the testing requirements drivers must complete before they can obtain their license. New drivers are subject to the federal training rule before they can transport cargo. Additional rules apply based on the particular type of cargo they carry and their endorsement.
Trucking companies cannot hire drivers who do not meet these requirements. If a trucking company allows an inexperienced driver to operate one of its vehicles and does not provide adequate training, it can be held responsible for the resulting damages.
Consequences of Inadequate Truck Driver Training
Large trucks are much more difficult to navigate than standard cars. Drivers who do not receive proper training can make the following mistakes that lead to accidents:
- Taking turns too fast
- Making turns that are too sharp or too wide
- Failing to apply the brakes in a timely manner
- Causing the truck to jackknife
- Not approaching inclines or declines correctly
- Not properly securing the load
- Not conducting inspections properly
- Not recognizing mechanical issues with the truck
These mistakes could indicate that the trucking company skipped necessary training and might be responsible for your damages.
How to Prove Inadequate Driver Training Contributed to Your Accident
If you suspect inadequate training caused or contributed to your truck accident, you should reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Trucking companies are only required to keep records for a certain amount of time. An experienced truck accident attorney can take steps to preserve valuable evidence before it is destroyed, which might include:
- Hiring records
- Background check reports
- Training documents
- Employment records
- Driver logs
- Driver’s electronic logging device
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
Let our experienced truck accident lawyers investigate your case, gather relevant evidence, and present it persuasively.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation with an Inadequate Training Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident caused by inadequate training, you deserve to be fairly compensated for the losses you’ve endured. Our San Antonio truck accident lawyer at George Salinas Injury Lawyers can help pursue compensation to cover your medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.