Driving a commercial truck can be a lucrative way to make a living while seeing the country. However, getting behind the wheel of a huge tractor-trailer that can weigh tens of thousands of pounds requires a significant amount of care and responsibility. This is because these trucks can cause such devastating damage and injuries if they collide with smaller passenger vehicles. For this reason, truck drivers must undergo training and must pass examinations to receive their commercial driver’s license (CDL).1
As part of CDL training, a truck driver is taught the necessary care that needs to be taken when driving a truck in order to avoid accidents. Unfortunately, even with such training, many drivers make errors and may act in a negligent and dangerous manner. If a negligent act leads to injuries, the driver and their employer may be held liable for the losses of any accident victims.
The following are only some examples of dangerous truck driver behaviors that may lead to a serious collision:
- Texting, talking to passengers, and other forms of distracted driving
- Speeding, tailgating, and other aggressive driving behaviors
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Operating a commercial vehicle without the proper CDL
- Driving with a serious health risk (e.g. heart attack or seizure)
- Not performing necessary pre-trip truck inspections
- Violating hours of service regulations2 and driving while fatigued
- Violating any other traffic law or FMCSA regulation
If you believe that a truck driver caused your accident due to dangerous behaviors, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Hartford Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At the law firm of Leighton, Katz & Drapeau, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand how complex truck accident cases can be. We also have seen firsthand how serious injuries can affect your life and always strive to protect your rights as an accident victim. If you want to discuss your case for free, please call our Connecticut office at 860-875-7000 for help.
References:
1https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license
2https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service
