Trucking Company Negligence

Trucking Company Negligence

Just because a truck driver caused a truck accident doesn’t necessarily mean the driver is at fault. Trucking company negligence takes many forms, and it can contribute to your accident. But it takes a competent trucking accident attorney to tie liability to the trucking company. Leave it to RAM Law in New Jersey to investigate your accident to determine who’s really to blame. Call them as soon as possible after your accident.

What Is Trucking Company Negligence?

Negligence for a trucking company is defined as a failure of the company to meet its legal obligations. When a trucking company hasn’t satisfied its responsibilities, especially related to the safe operation of its commercial vehicles, the result may be an accident waiting to happen.

Negligent actions include:

  • Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers
  • Failing to properly train its drivers
  • Failing to maintain or inspect its vehicles
  • Disregarding hours-of-service regulations
  • Encouraging its drivers to exceed speed limits
  • Allowing its drivers to drive when fatigued
  • Failing to properly secure or load cargo

Negligence by trucking companies often leads to dangerous accidents that cause injuries and even fatalities. These companies must prioritize safety by adhering to federal and state regulations designed to prevent accidents and protect the public.

If you’re injured in a truck accident, you can hold the trucking company liable for the damages caused by their negligence. To prove that there was trucking company negligence involved in your accident, consult a trucking accident attorney in New Jersey. Find the best by contacting RAM Law.

 

What Are Examples of Trucking Company Negligence?

You may see one of several different types of trucking company negligence. Because some companies prioritize profits over safety, dangerous situations and accidents can ensue.

Examples of trucking company negligence include:

  • Driver negligence. If an accident occurs because the truck driver was negligent or failed to operate the vehicle in a safe and responsible manner, the driver’s penalized for negligence. But if the company purposefully hires inexperienced drivers, the company shares in the accident liability.
  • Equipment failure. This category covers everything from faulty parts or defective underride guards to tire-related problems and brake failure. The trucking company is responsible for properly maintaining, repairing or replacing equipment that’s necessary for the safe operation of their trucks.
  • Loading issues. When the cargo on the truck isn’t properly loaded or secured, it can lead to accidents, which ultimately may be the trucking company’s fault. When trucks are overloaded, the results and liability may be the same.

By working with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, you can pursue compensation for your losses and hold the trucking companies accountable for their actions or dangerous inactions. Trucking companies must prioritize safety by following federal regulations, providing proper training and maintaining their vehicles. If they don’t, they can be held liable for negligence.

How Do I Know if a Trucking Company Has Been Negligent?

Determining whether a trucking company has acted negligently can be a complex process that requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident.

There are several key signs that may indicate trucking company negligence, such as:

  • Past record of poor maintenance. If the truck involved in the accident had a history of poor maintenance, it may signal trucking company negligence.
  • Violations of regulations. If the trucking company failed to comply with federal or state regulations, such as hours-of-service or driver qualification requirements, it may be guilty of negligence.
  • Inadequate training. If the truck driver involved in an accident wasn’t properly trained, it may indicate negligence.
  • A history of accidents. If the trucking company has a history of accidents or safety violations, they may not take safety seriously.
  • Cargo issues. If the accident was caused by improperly loaded or secured cargo, it may be a sign of trucking company negligence.

If you suspect that a trucking company was negligent, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney at RAM Law. The legal team investigates and determines whether you have a case. By holding negligent trucking companies accountable for their actions, you help prevent future accidents and protect the safety of all who share the road with commercial trucks.

Who’s Responsible for Properly Loading a Truck?

In general, the person or company loading the cargo onto a truck is responsible for ensuring that it’s properly secured and distributed to prevent shifting or falling off during transport.

But the responsibility may rest among several entities, including:

  • The trucking company. If the company has employees loading the truck, then it’s responsible for ensuring the cargo isloaded safely and meets all relevant safety standards.
  • A third-party contractor. If the trucking company hires an outside contractor for cargo loading, then that contractor may be held liable for any accident from improperly-loaded cargo.
  • The truck driver. The driver may be responsible for conducting a pre-trip inspection of the cargo to ensure it’s loaded correctly and securely. If not, the driver’s partially responsible.

Ultimately, the legal responsibility for securely loading a truck depends on the chain of command. If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by improperly loaded cargo, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney from RAM Law to determine who to hold liable for the accident.

How Difficult Is Proving Trucking Company Negligence?

Proving trucking company negligence can be difficult with legal guidance from RAM Law for several reasons, including:

  • Multiple parties. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, other drivers and third-party contractors. RAM Law has the resources to investigate the accident fully to determine who was responsible.
  • Complex regulations. The trucking industry is heavily regulated by federal and state laws, which can be difficult to navigate. Proving negligence requires a detailed understanding of these regulations and how they apply to the specific circumstances of the accident.
  • Limited evidence. In some cases, crucial evidence, such as the truck’s black box data or maintenance records, may be lost or destroyed after an accident, making it more difficult to determine the cause of the accident and prove negligence.
  • Disputes. Insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident may dispute who was responsible for the accident and to what extent, leading to legal battles and delays in resolving the case.
  • Expert testimony. Proving truck accident negligence often requires the testimony of expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, trucking industry experts and medical professionals. Finding and retaining qualified experts may be a challenge without an attorney.

Complex Truck Accidents Require Representation – Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Today

Accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, staggering medical expenses, and life-altering disabilities or death. You need an experienced truck accident lawyer with exceptional experience. Call Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. today at 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.

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To schedule a confidential consultation, contact us online or call our offices, in New Brunswick at (732) 247-3600, in Somerville at (908) 448-2560, or in Freehold at (732) 828-2234.

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