People are sometimes quick to blame truck drivers when they get into an accident. And there are definitely times when the driver is directly responsible, but it’s problematic to assume that this is always the case. There were also plenty of accidents where the driver didn’t make any errors and the crash itself was almost entirely out of their hands. It may even have been caused by the trucking company.
If you’ve been injured and you’re looking into ways to seek compensation, it helps to draw this distinction. You may need to seek that compensation from the company rather than a driver, or you may have options to seek compensation from both. Now let’s look at a few ways in which trucking companies can cause accidents.
Paying by the mile
Trucking companies often pay their drivers by the mile, which is supposed to incentivize them to be productive. And this can work, but it can create problems where drivers earn more money for things like aggressively driving, breaking the speed limit or driving for too many hours in a row.
Load shift accidents
Another potential issue is if the load in the truck was improperly secured and it shifts when the truck is in motion. This can cause the center of balance to move so dramatically that even an experienced driver can no longer control the truck.
Scheduling pressures
Finally, truck drivers face the same scheduling pressures that many workers face. They have to get jobs done on time and completing those jobs is how they advance their career. Similar to being paid by the mile, this outside pressure can cause drivers to make mistakes or drive in an unsafe manner.
Seeking compensation
If you have been injured in an accident with a truck driver, or if you’ve lost a loved one, be sure you understand all of the legal options at your disposal. If the trucking company was responsible, that can open up a potential second avenue for the necessary financial compensation.
