Accidents involving tractor-trailers can be extremely serious and sometimes even deadly. Out of all truck accidents that take place in the United States, 73 percent of fatal wrecks involve tractor-trailers. Take into account that only 2 Million of the 15.5 Million trucks in the nation are tractor-trailers. While these vehicles can inflict intensive damage due to their weight and size, many tractor-trailer drivers have not received sufficient training to safely operate their vehicle.
If trucking companies fail to observe the regulations laid out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) pertaining to proper driver training and preparation, the results can be disastrous and even fatal. These regulations stipulate that drivers must be trained to comply with certain standards of highway safety and competence. They also need to be kept up to date with any new advances in technology or equipment. Failure to provide and ensure this training is a reprehensible breach of responsibility on the part of the trucking company.
Truck Drivers Must Have A Valid Commercial Driver’s License
Most truck drivers are responsible and hardworking individuals, but some have not received the necessary training to ensure that their large vehicles do not present an unnecessary hazard on the road. Others may be operating a hazardous tractor-trailer with a fraudulent license. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires drivers of large trucks to obtain a commercial driver’s license. A report published in Reader’s Digest stated that 32 states have discovered instances of commercial trucking license fraud.
The Department of Transportation reported in 2006 that approximately 15,000 “suspect" license holders had been identified in 27 states nationwide. In one case involving more than 620 students, a truck driving school was caught paying third-party individuals to fake trucker exams. Another situation involved commercial licenses being sold to non-English-speaking immigrants in Illinois. Here in New York, a widespread investigation led to the arrest of 51 commercial drivers who obtained more than one license by fraudulent means.
Hurt In A Truck Accident? Jaroslawicz & Jaros Is Here To Help.
If you were involved in a tractor-trailer accident, our attorneys may be able to build a case showing that the driver of the tractor-trailer was insufficiently trained or licensed when the accident occurred. Other causes of trucking accidents also involve truck driver negligence or misconduct. If you or a member of your family has been hurt or killed in a tractor-trailer accident, contact a New York City personal injury attorney at our firm. Our team of legal professionals has the experience and legal competence to help you receive the restitution you deserve. Jaroslawicz & Jaros has helped victims of motor vehicle accidents in New York City since 1980.
Contact Us For A Free Consultation. Call us in New York at 212.227.2780.
