When big businesses value profits over safety, the results are often tragic. Everyone knows of stories of big pharmaceutical companies that release dangerous drugs then refuse to take responsibility or companies that ignore the needs of workers to improve their own bottom lines. However, what many people do not realize is that trucking companies can be some of the worst offenders when it comes to profits over people when they put their focus on cutting costs and end up injuring innocent victims.
How Do Trucking Companies Contribute To Deadly Accidents?
The relationship between the attitude of the trucking companies and deadly crashes on the highways may not be obvious at first. This is because, on the surface, many trucking companies offer reassuring statements about their dedication to safety. These companies may point out that all of their drivers are licensed and have passed stringent safety courses, or that their trucks are maintained to the highest standards. Unfortunately, while these statements may be true, they do not tell the entire story.
Many trucking companies pay their drivers on delivery, and offer bonuses for early shipment arrival. They let their drivers know that the faster the goods are transported to their destination, the more money the driver will make. This simple fact may lead to tragic consequences if the driver is encouraged to speed.
Further, the drivers may also be encouraged to skirt the laws regarding rest breaks and other required safety measures. While few companies would be so bold as to issue a written statement to their drivers ordering them to drive more hours than allowed, companies often make it clear that they will turn the other way and ignore behavior like driving hours without rest that violates federal and state law. The attitude of many of these companies seems to be, “If we do not see it, we will not do anything about it.”
This attitude becomes very clear when the driver hits an innocent person and the company claims to know nothing about the driver’s behavior.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured In A Trucking Accident?
The laissez-faire attitude of many trucking companies has resulted in untold tragedy for innocent victims. When a truck accident occurs between a semi and a passenger car, the occupants of the car are almost always injured much more seriously than the truck driver.
Trucking companies may try to hide behind the fiction of ignorance about truck driver actions, but it is very possible that the company’s own policies led to the crash. However, proving this and collecting damages may be difficult. If you have been involved in an accident with a large truck, it is very important for you to protect your rights. The best way to do that is to discuss your case with an attorney who has many years of experience handling trucking accidents. These cases can be very complicated, so it is vital that you have the help of an attorney who knows how to deal with trucking companies and their insurers.
The truck accident attorneys at David & Philpot have been helping victims of semi-truck accidents for over 20 years. If you have been involved in an accident involving an 18 wheeler and have questions about what you can do to protect your rights, fill out our free case evaluation form or call us toll free at 800.360.7015. We are here to help.
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