Semi-trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles. The cab of this truck comes in at up to 25,000 pounds, and an empty trailer adds another 10,000 pounds. When the truck is loaded with cargo, the weight of the vehicle may reach 80,000 pounds or 40 tons. Autolist reports the average passenger vehicle weighs 4,094 pounds today, and the size discrepancy between the two types of vehicles helps to explain why people typically sustain serious injuries in an accident involving an 18-wheeler.
Why Are Trucking Companies Putting Unqualified Drivers on the Road Today?
Anyone operating an 18-wheeler must undergo special training to ensure they can handle the vehicle when out on the road, as it is harder to maneuver than most vehicles today. However, America continues to suffer from a truck driver shortage. As a result, many trucking companies today put inexperienced drivers on the road. Doing so allows them to get merchandise to consumers and continue to make profits. The unqualified drivers put other people at risk, and a person injured in an accident with an unqualified truck driver must speak with an attorney right away. How can a person prove they were in an accident with someone who should not be behind the wheel of a semi?
CDL Training
Individuals who wish to operate a semi must secure a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To do so, they must take part in training. This training covers topics such as inspecting the vehicle prior to each trip, limits regarding hours of service, emergency protocols, and how to enter and exit roadways safely. Furthermore, they learn how to align and use their mirrors so they don’t encounter blind spots and how to change lanes properly. In addition, the driver must pass a physical exam to ensure they are healthy and able to operate a vehicle of this size on the road.
The Company’s Role in Securing Qualified Drivers
Trucking companies must put each driver through a background check. Furthermore, they must ensure each driver has a valid CDL and is of age to operate an 18-wheeler. Individuals 18 years of age and older may operate a semi, but they may be restricted in terms of what they are permitted to carry. They must conduct a drug test to ensure the driver is clean and review the driver’s record to see if they have failed a drug test in the past. These serve as only a few of the many responsibilities of a trucking company before hiring an individual to operate one of their vehicles. The company must also ensure the driver has the proper type of CDL before they operate a vehicle.
Proving a Driver is Unqualified
If a person is injured in an accident with a semi, they need to learn if the driver is qualified to operate the vehicle. This involves ensuring the trucking company has done its due diligence before hiring this individual and allowing them to drive an 18-wheeler. Furthermore, the victim must learn whether the driver had any prior violations and things of that nature. If they can prove the individual should not have been operating the vehicle, they will be able to seek compensation for their injuries.
Speak to an attorney today to learn more about how you can prove a person is unqualified to operate an 18-wheeler. They understand the complexities of this type of case and how to prove a person should not have been driving the vehicle. The attorney determines if the driver missed a road sign or didn’t account for a wide turn and their mistake lead to the accident or if something else was in play. With the help of the attorney, a victim finds it easier to prove the driver was unqualified, so they get the compensation they deserve for the injuries they sustained.
