Why The Pay System Of The Trucking Industry Needs Change?

There are numerous causes behind the increasing numbers of truck accidents. Some of the main causes behind these incidents are driver fatigue, negligence, weather conditions, road structure, equipment failure, etc.

There are few other causes that remain behind the curtains are also hazardous and contribute significantly in the rising numbers of these heart-breaking incidents. Many industry experts believe that the current pay structure of the trucking industry is insecure and is one of the underlying causes behind increasing numbers of accidents.

According to the current pay model, the majority of the drivers get paid by the mile. The more miles they drive, the more money they earn is a key factor that gives truckers encouragement to violate mandatory safety guidelines. Paying a trucker by the hour is a much safer option, which is not used by most of the trucking companies.

It has been noticed that the trucking companies that made the switch and paid their drivers by the hour were not only able to reduce driver’s turnover, but also enhanced safety. This is the reason that now Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is also showing its concerns towards this issue and trying to determine the correlation between driver pay and safety.

It will help them identify whether or not this pay system engages driver in causing an avoidable accident. It is expected that the results will show a connection between being paid by mile and increased chances of an accident, particularly when compare with drivers receiving hourly pay.

At the end, we can say that this pay model also suggests that a trucker who should have stopped driving, but did not because he received an incentive to continue. Therefore, it is believed that it is a wrong pay model that could be the cause behind many road accidents and should be changed. Many truck accident injury attorneys have also raised the matter of this pay system in many lawsuits and have litigated it as a potential reason that the negligent act occurred. 

Trucking companies need to place safety first. Ironically, if they did that then their profits will increase as they won’t have to fend off litigation from trucking accidents or worse the publicity of a trucking fatality.

What Are The Different Types Of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents are the ill-fated incidents that claim hundreds of lives every year. These vehicles collide, roll over, or hit other vehicles causing property damage and injuries. Many people do not know that there are different types of truck accidents.

Following are some of the main types of truck accidents –

Rollovers – In this crash, drivers lose their control over the vehicle. As a result, the truck moves to one side and rolls over. It is a dangerous situation for other travelers on road too. It is a common occurrence that usually happens due to overload, uneven grounds, inclement weather and/or high speed.

Blind Spot – In these situations, the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver is unable to see smaller cars or motorists on road. It is a dangerous situation especially when one has to change lanes or turn. It can result into a massive accident that can claim many lives.

Jackknife – These incidents occur when driver pushes brake suddenly while driving on a fast speed. Then the trailer skids and comes forward, making a folded pocketknife shape. Braking on high speed or slick roads are the reason behind this type of crash. Usually, the trailer operator is considered at the fault in these situations.

Under ride – This incident transpire if the CMV driver slams brakes without any warning while driving. Cars behind the large vehicle are unable to stop in these situations. As a result, cars collide at the back of truck. It causes damage to the front parts (windshield, windows) or the whole car. In the movies when this happens the driver often leaves unscathed, but in real life It is a hazardous condition that can lead to trucking injuries, and even a truck accident death.

Tire Blowout – In this situation, large vehicle’s tire blows. It causes driver to lose control on the truck, which creates danger for other people on road.

Head on collisions – This collision usually happens when driving reckless or too fast. A CMV colliding with other vehicles can cause serious damage and injuries.

Side Impact – These accidents happen when a large vehicle makes an unexpected or unnecessary turn. In this situation, truck can collide with other vehicles on road.

Rear end – These collisions occur when the CMV driver fails to analyze the distance they require to stop. Misjudgment of the stopping distance can result into crashes that are dangerous for everyone.

Every year, hundreds of cases of truck accidents are represented by lawyers on the behalf of victims. These accidents cannot be predicted but they sure can be prevented by taking proper precautions. Drivers need to gather inclusive knowledge about traffic rules, vehicle, and their responsibilities while driving.

5 Reasons That Make Drivers At Fault In Truck Accidents

In 2011, 3,757 people were killed in truck accidents while 88,000 were injured. This fact shows the seriousness of increased risks of truck accidents on road. Most of the times, drivers are at fault in these unfortunate incidents.

Following are the reasons that make drivers at fault in truck crashes –

Not following traffic rules – It is few of the biggest reasons behind most of the truck accidents. Traffic rules are there to ensure safety. Truck drivers become danger to other’s safety when they stop following traffic rules (like speed limit). Complying with traffic laws cuts half the chances of mishaps on road.

Distracted driving – Distracted driving is another big reason for accidents. If truck driver is under the influence of illicit drug and alcohol, then they are considered distracted for driving. If they are involved in a crash, they will be considered at fault during the lawsuit. Texting or using mobile phones while driving also falls under this category according to the federal law.

Equipments failure – Equipment failure such as defective breaks, tires, steering defects etc., forces motorists to lose control over vehicle.

It can be a dangerous situation for road safety. This is why it is important for trucking companies and their employees to maintain their equipment to prevent any type of failure.

Fatigue – Fatigue is another reason behind these unfortunate events. Tired drivers react slowly compared to others, which can be very dangerous in critical situations, where fast reaction is required. Fatigue can also cause individuals to fall asleep while driving, which makes them a big threat for road safety. Carelessness and misjudgment are other threats caused by fatigue. Federal and state laws are there related to work and rest hours for trucking companies’ employees. These laws were developed to ensure vehicle and passenger safety.

Weather conditions – Difficult weather conditions like heavy rain, snowfall, hailstorm, fog, tornadoes, and thunderstorms makes it difficult to drive. Driving in bad weather conditions creates risk not only for the driver himself but also for other people on road. In such conditions, driving require lot more focus than it usually takes, otherwise mishaps are bound to happen.

If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, physical injuries, vehicle damage, or economic forfeiture, you must get justice by filing a lawsuit against the CMV operator and the trucking company. You should get the help of truck accidents law firms for this purpose. They have experienced lawyers who can investigate and collect evidences through police reports to bring the culprits to justice.