A trucking company may be deemed negligent in causing a truck accident if it fails to maintain its fleet in reasonable condition or fails to ensure the qualifications of its drivers as a means of preventing a foreseeable risk to other motorists. It is the responsibility of the trucking company to make sure that the drivers it hires are properly certified and have demonstrated both competence and ability to operate large trucks. These companies are also required to meet the minimum standards for maintaining commercial vehicles set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Failure to adequately meet these standards may give rise to a negligence claim if it results in a truck accident.
Driver Qualifications
Large trucks often carry toxic or hazardous materials and haul other loads that can weigh as much as 50,000 pounds. Understandably, strict licensing requirements are in place for the transport of these types of loads. Trucking companies must ensure that their drivers have passed both a knowledge test and a skills test appropriate to the type of commercial vehicles they are hired to operate. Trucking companies are also required to run criminal background checks and driving history reports before employing drivers. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities amounts to negligence. If the company’s negligence contributes to the cause of a truck accident that results in injury or death, the trucking company may be wholly or partially responsible for compensating the victims or their families.
Proper Fleet Maintenance
Trucking companies must also adhere to the minimum requirements set forth in the CFR for the proper maintenance of their fleet. This includes ensuring that brakes are in good repair, confirming that tires and wheels show no signs of excessive wear, and maintaining lights, signals, and other equipment in working order. Failure to meet these minimum requirements may give rise to liability for injuries sustained as the result of improper maintenance of the vehicle.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident involving an improperly maintained truck or inadequately licensed driver, you should immediately seek the advice of an experienced truck accident attorney.

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