COMMERCIAL DRIVING ACCIDENTS: HOW TO MINIMIZE RISK

A road accident will disrupt your life, but if you’re a commercial truck driver or you employ them, accidents disrupt your business and livelihood as well.

Since commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than normal vehicles, they need significantly more time and distance to stop. Oftentimes, the difference between an accident and a near-miss comes down to breaking and reaction time. And because of the weight difference between a commercial vehicle and a standard car, a truck driving accident is usually more serious. That’s why commercial truck drivers and their employers need to minimize the risk of accidents. 

Minimize the Risk of Accidents

1. Allow for rest.

Many commercial drivers work for long stretches of time. This can lead to exhaustion and increases the potential for an accident. Providing frequent opportunities to rest is one of the best ways to lessen the risk of accidents. As a business, the more you can do to protect drivers by allowing them the time they need to rest, the less likely it is that they’ll have an accident.

2. Keep a vehicle maintenance and inspection schedule. 

Keeping your vehicles in good repair will minimize the risk of accidents. The braking capacity of large trucks is often a critical factor in accidents. Damaged, worn-out brakes may fail unexpectedly, putting drivers in danger of collision. Creating a regular inspection schedule for all vehicles ensures you’ll stay on top of inspections and regular maintenance.

Businesses employing commercial drivers should also encourage them to frequently inspect their vehicles and provide resources and tools for doing so.

Accidents: Employer Liability

If you employ commercial drivers and one has an accident, your business could be on the line for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and other expenses. 

Accidents involving commercial vehicles are different from normal cars because they’re covered by unique regulations and standards. At both the state and federal levels, there are many rules commercial drivers must follow. If a driver is found to be in violation of one of those regulations, their odds of winning a dispute in court are greatly reduced. 

To avoid risk, businesses and drivers should stay up to date on the latest regulations in their state. The efforts you make to be compliant with the law always impact the court’s determination. 

Accidents: Driver Liability 

Drivers face serious risks as well. After an accident, you may face significant losses from medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While the statute of limitations for these types of claims is 2 years in the state of Georgia, you should file a claim as quickly as possible to maximize your chances of receiving restitution. 

While commercial truck crashes carry similar risks to other car crashes, the unique regulations are challenging to navigate for drivers and businesses. That’s why you need legal experts to comb through the details and specifics of your case so you don’t miss anything. 

If you’ve been in an accident and need advice or legal support, Hoffspiegel Law is here for you. Our attorneys have years of experience successfully handling commercial accidents. We work hard to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve!

Connect with us to learn more.