When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the individuals in the passenger vehicle are at significant risk of being hurt or killed. Fortunately, there are many steps that Texas truck companies can take to minimize the chances of an accident taking place.
Drivers should be thoroughly vetted
Truck companies are encouraged to only hire drivers who have valid commercial licenses. Ideally, anyone who is hired to operate a commercial vehicle will have a clean driving record. In some cases, a company that hires a person who has been convicted of traffic offenses in the past might be considered negligent in allowing future truck accidents to occur.
Trucks should be outfitted with cameras and sensors
Internal cameras can allow fleet managers to keep track of everything that truck operators do while making deliveries. If a manager sees signs of impaired, fatigued or distracted driving, he or she can take action such as enrolling a driver in a training course or terminating that person’s employment.
Sensors can be used to alert drivers to the presence of vehicles or objects in their blind spots. They can also be used to ensure that a truck stays in the proper lane or doesn’t run off of the road.
Vehicles should be properly maintained at all times
A truck that has worn brakes, underinflated tires or other defects might be more likely to be involved in an accident. This may be especially true while driving during periods of inclement weather as it might be harder to control the truck. It is important to note that defective vehicles can be taken out of service if they fail either random or scheduled inspections.
If you have been hurt in a truck accident, multiple parties may be liable for damages. An attorney might be able to help you obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages or lost future earnings from a truck driver, truck company or government agency. Compensation may be obtained through a settlement or a jury award.