Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Drivers under the Influence Could be the Negligence of Trucking Companies

Fully loaded commercial vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Sheer size and weight of these vehicles result in horrifying results when they are involved in a trucking accident as compared to the lighter weight of other vehicles such as cars. Sadly, the numbers of these incidents are growing significantly.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSA) has implemented further responsibilities on trucking companies to employ drivers that are healthy and trained to drive commercial vehicles. According to the FMCSR it is necessary for these companies to inform their drivers about the dangerous and destructive effects of driving under influence.

The FMCSA has decided that educating drivers and training administrators is mandatory to stop the uncontrolled use of drugs and alcohol in the industry. Hence, it is necessary for trucking companies to develop a written policy on controlled substance use and alcohol abuse at the workplace. Trucking companies also need to provide a copy of that policy to every driver. Furthermore, trucking companies also need to keep a statement signed by each driver to confirm the acknowledgment of the written policy.

In case of any accident, it is the responsibility of truck accident law firm to ask for and review this essential legal document. The presence of a poorly written policy, or one that is  rarely enforced, or the absence of the policy in its entirety can assist a truck accident victim holding the trucking company liable in a claim of negligent supervision.

In many situations, trucking companies are equally responsible for the fatal accidents and injuries, as the drivers of the vehicles. Any driver who gets behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle should be an entrusted and trained professional, and no company should ignore their responsibility to do due diligence on who they are putting behind the wheel of the truck.

If you or any of your loved one has fallen victim to a truck accident, it is necessary to get in touch with an experienced lawyer. Experienced truck lawyers can evaluate the entire situation to discover all facts and hidden policies of coverage. They can also file a lawsuit against the culprits to ensure that your rights remain protected. From the second a truck accident occurs, the company, who has been through it a hundred times is acting to put forth its best case and protect their driver.  Their insurance company is acting to limit how much they will have to pya.  You must act, not just react and do not hesitate and book your free consultation session with an injury attorney who focuses on truck accident lawsuits.

In the end, we can say that everyone’s safety should be the ultimate goal of all trucking companies and their drivers. No profits or reasons can justify any ignorance associated with safety.

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