Trucks are massive, heavy vehicles that require a high level of skill and expertise to operate safely. When drivers do not receive adequate training, the results can be catastrophic, leading to serious accidents that cause injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. In Atlanta, where heavy traffic and congested roads are common, the risks associated with poorly trained truck drivers are particularly severe. If a wreck occurs, an Atlanta truck accident lawyer may be able to help.
What Types of Training Do Truck Drivers Receive?
To operate a commercial truck legally, drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In Georgia, you must hold a valid state driver’s license, earn a commercial permit, and pass a road skills test in order to receive this important credential.
Prospective truck drivers often participate in a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training to prepare for the CDL process, covering topics such as:
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance
- Safe driving techniques
- Defensive driving strategies
- Cargo loading and securement
- Hours of Service (HOS) regulations
- Emergency procedures
In addition to the basic CDL training, many trucking companies provide their drivers with additional, company-specific instruction. This training ensures that drivers are prepared for the unique challenges of their routes and the types of cargo they will be transporting.
How Inadequate Training Can Lead to a Truck Accident
When truck drivers do not receive sufficient training, they may lack the skills and knowledge necessary to operate their vehicles safely. Some common causes of accidents related to inadequate driver training include:
- Failure to properly inspect and maintain the vehicle: Poorly trained drivers may not know how to identify and address mechanical issues, leading to equipment failures on the road.
- Inability to handle challenging driving conditions: Without proper training, drivers may not be prepared to deal with adverse weather, heavy traffic, or steep grades while driving.
- Improper cargo loading and securement: Inadequately trained drivers may not know how to properly load and secure cargo, which can cause shifts in the truck’s balance or debris to fall onto the road.
- Failure to follow hours of service regulations: Drivers who are not well-versed in hours of service rules may drive for longer periods than allowed, leading to fatigue and decreased alertness behind the wheel.
- Poor decision-making in emergencies: Without adequate training, drivers may panic or make incorrect decisions when faced with unexpected situations on the road.
Who Is Liable for an Accident Caused by a Poorly Trained Driver?
When a truck accident occurs due to inadequate driver training, several parties may be held liable for the resulting damages. The truck driver may be responsible if their negligence or poor decision-making directly contributed to the accident. However, the trucking company that hired and trained the driver may also be held liable if they failed to provide adequate training or knowingly hired a driver with insufficient qualifications.
Trust Monge & Associates to Hold the Negligent Party Accountable
Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are properly trained and equipped to handle the challenges of operating large commercial vehicles. If inadequate driver training led to your truck accident in Atlanta, Monge & Associates can help you seek justice.
Our Atlanta truck accident attorneys will work to hold the trucking company accountable for their negligence and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us at (888) 477-0597 for a free case evaluation and begin your journey today.