Inadequate Driver Training Leads to Truck Accidents in Illinois

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Truck Accidents

Truck drivers must have the proper training and education to operate tractor trailers. Trucks can weigh 20 times more than passenger vehicles and pose a great risk to other drivers and pedestrians. Because truck drivers are allowed to operate on the same roads as cars, it is critical that drivers are trained and properly credentialed. However, this does not always occur, and if it does occur, it may not be enough to keep everyone safe. In fact, a large percentage of accidents are caused by truck driver error.

Types of Driver Error

If the driver is at fault -- which is usually the case where the truck is found to have caused the accident -- there are several types of errors that usually can be blamed. (It may be the case that the truck is at fault, but for reasons outside of the fault of the driver, such as a faulty truck part or poorly loaded trailer.) Such errors include:

• Non-Performance. Operator fell asleep or could not drive due to a sudden health issue like a heart attack or a seizure.
• Recognition. Operator was distracted and failed to respond to a condition on the roadway. A distraction can be something inside or outside the vehicle.
• Decision. Operator was speeding, misread the speed of other cars, drove too fast for conditions, misjudged the speed of other vehicles or made false assumptions about other car’s actions.
• Performance. Operator overcompensated or froze.

Huge Shortage of Drivers

The trucking industry also has a major shortage of drivers. In 2015, the estimated shortage of drivers was estimated to be 48,000. If the situation does not improve, the shortage may increase in 175,000 drivers needed by 2024. Some safety experts believe that the shortage of drivers forces trucking companies to do minimal training and schedule drivers on routes above their experience levels. This can also cause drivers to be behind the wheel for more hours than allowed. Such situations can cause accidents that leave motorists with severe medical injuries and property damage.

Contact a Lake County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Some people think that because they were able to get a settlement after a car accident, they can handle their truck accident claim themselves. This could be a mistake. Not only are non-lawyers uninformed about how much money in damages they should recover, but also truck accident cases could involve multiple parties and a set of law specific to 18-wheelers.

Our firm understands these laws and how to navigate the parties that may be implicated in a trucking accident. The qualified Lake County truck crash attorney of Salvi & Maher, LLP can be reached at 847-662-3303. Call today to arrange your initial free consultation with our firm.

Sources:

http://www.trucking.org/ATA%20Docs/News%20and%20Information/Reports%20Trends%20and%20Statistics/10%206%2015%20ATAs%20Driver%20Shortage%20Report%202015.pdf

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/ltccs-2006.pdf