Truck Driver Inexperience Can Contribute to Crashes

Commercial trucks are an important part of our nation’s economy. Nearly 70 percent of the value of all freight is transported via trucking. On account of their tremendous size, tractor trailers also have the potential to be extremely dangerous. These commercial vehicles should be operated by trained, skilled, and experienced professionals. In this article, our Spokane motor vehicle accident lawyers discuss the dangers posed by trucker inexperience and explain your rights if you are involved in a collision with an under trained driver.

Study: Trucker Inexperience May Pose a Safety Hazard

To operate a large truck in Washington State, a driver must obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Beyond that, trucking companies need to ensure that their drivers have sufficient skill to operate a large commercial vehicle in a safe manner. Trucker inexperience contributes to a large number of serious tractor trailer accidents.

According to a study from the National Surface Transportation Safety Center for Excellence, there is overwhelming evidence that “CMV driving experience plays a role in driver risk.” A trucker is most likely to be involved in a crash in their first year operating a large motor vehicle. Notably, adequate driver training can help to reduce the risk.

Truckers and Trucking Companies Have a Duty to Ensure Safe Operation

There are state and federal regulations in place to help ensure that commercial trucking companies operate in a safe manner. Everyone involved in commercial trucking has a role to play in making sure that our roads are as safe as they should be. Individual truckers need to make sure that they have the skills, training, and experience to drive safely. Trucking companies should thoroughly screen (and train) their drivers.

Victims of a Crash Caused By an Inexperienced Trucker May Be Eligible for Compensation

Negligence occurs when a party fails to exercise reasonable care. A trucker that causes an accident through inexperience may be liable for negligence. Likewise, their employer may also be held liable for an accident. Washington State allows victims to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Through a truck accident claim, you and your family may be eligible to recover financial compensation for:

• Automobile repairs or automobile replacement;
• Emergency medical treatment;
• Other health care costs;
• Loss of current and future income;
• Pain and suffering;
• Mental anguish;
• Permanent disfigurement;
• Long term disability; and
• Wrongful death.

Truck accident claims are complicated—particularly when you are alleging that trucker inexperience contributed to the collision. An experienced Spokane, WA truck accident attorney will help you pursue justice and the maximum financial support.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Spokane

At‌ ‌Albrecht‌ ‌Law‌ ‌PLLC, our Spokane motor vehicle accident attorneys handle the full range of commercial truck accident claims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash caused by an inexperienced or undertrained truck driver, we are here to help. Contact our law firm today to set up your free case evaluation. Our law firm represents injured victims in Spokane, Spokane County, and throughout the surrounding communities in Eastern Washington.