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You’ve likely heard that there is a shortage of skilled truck drivers in the United States. Trucking can be a lucrative career, but for many, the cost of purchasing and maintaining a cab and the uncertainty of “pay-by-the-load” contracts has made it an unenticing option, even for those who have done it for years.
To make up for the loss of experienced drivers, some trucking companies have started aggressive hiring campaigns designed to attract younger, inexperienced workers who may be seeking long-term careers. This is standard within the industry – many companies have done it for decades – but due to the shortage of skilled drivers, some of these novice operators are being placed on the road before they are ready – and this puts everyone at increased risk for serious or fatal injury.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents
While causes such as overloaded cargo or mechanical failure have been identified as common causes of truck accidents, operator error, in its many forms, is the leading cause. When you are involved in an accident caused by a poorly operated semi-truck, it is important to speak with an attorney right away to learn about your options and your rights before you start talking settlement offers with an insurance company. Once you have accepted an offer, you waive your right to seek further compensation through legal action.
Liable Parties
Even when a novice driver seems to be responsible for an accident, there can be several additional parties that share liability. These may include the company a driver works for, the company a driver is delivering to, mechanics, parts manufacturers, local, state, and federal government entities, and more. This is one of the most compelling reasons to hire an attorney for your case.
At Kelleher Law, we proudly represent victims in Naples, Fort Myers, and throughout Southwest Florida, as well as Roswell and the greater Atlanta area in Georgia.
