Most people assume that crashes are automatically the fault of one of the drivers involved. Frequently, that is true. The vast majority of collisions occur because people do something negligent or violate traffic statutes. Even commercial drivers, who spend most of their working lives behind the wheel, can make mistakes that lead to collisions.
However, sometimes there are parties not present in the vehicle that play a role in contributing to a crash. When one of the vehicles in the crash is a commercial truck, the transportation company that owns the vehicle and employs the driver may have helped contribute to the risk of a wreck.
How can a trucking company increase the risk of one of its drivers or fleet vehicles ending up involved in a serious collision?
High-pressure employment policies
Truck drivers may feel the need to stay on the road for longer than they should because of strict delivery deadlines. The pay workers receive or their bonuses may depend on getting every load in on time, regardless of road conditions. Drivers might speed or drive in an unsafe manner because their job security or compensation depends on getting a load in on time. Companies may also demand that drivers respond to communications on dispatch devices, which could lead to compromised driving ability due to distraction.
Improper vehicle maintenance
Keeping a commercial truck road safe is costly. It is also an ongoing obligation, as wear and tear constantly accumulates on commercial trucks that spend dozens of hours on the road each week. Companies have to regularly inspect, repair and maintain their fleet vehicles. Sometimes, transportation companies make the decision to delay certain repairs or maintenance, which may lead to crucial systems failing on the road.
Other times, trucking companies put cost-effectiveness ahead of overall safety. For example, they may purchase cheap underride guards and avoid installing side underride guards. They worry more about regulatory compliance and costs than about what is the most effective at saving lives when crashes occur.
In scenarios where company policies or fleet maintenance practices play a role in semi-truck crashes, those affected may have grounds to seek compensation. Both insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits are often options when semi-truck crashes cause harm to people.