While there are innumerable causes of commercial truck accidents in Georgia and around this nation, one of great concern is that of inexperienced truck drivers. Truck drivers literally have a large load to bear. They must transport tens of thousands of pounds of goods across this nation’s highways, all while maintaining their own safety and without endangering anyone else on the road.
Sadly, many fatal truck accidents occur when untrained or inexperienced truckers are behind the wheel of large 18-wheelers. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires truck drivers to receive training and pass a skills and knowledge test in order to qualify as a commercial driver and to obtain a special license to drive large semi-trucks. However, many trucking companies help new drivers cut corners to secure a commercial driver’s license sooner so the drivers can begin driving.
Unfortunately, if the training is inadequate and an inexperienced trucker gets behind the wheel, he will not have the skills or the knowledge to operate an 80,000-pound truck. This has led to Atlanta truck accidents and serious injuries and fatalities across this nation. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Untrained truckers may not know how to handle their trucks in all conditions, especially in inclement weather.
- Inexperienced truck drivers may not know how to handle their truck differently under low speeds and higher speeds.
- Inexperienced truck drivers may not understand all of the features and functions of his truck.
- Inexperienced truckers may not know how to maneuver on rough roads.
- Untrained drivers may participate in distracted driving.
- An inexperienced trucker may not confirm that his load is properly balanced.
- An untrained truck driver may not properly maintain and care for the truck.
It is important to remember that driving a large commercial truck takes a specific skill set that requires proper training. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a truck crash or jackknife accident in Georgia, it may have been caused by an untrained or inexperienced truck driver. In that scenario, a lawyer can demand to see the driver’s commercial driver’s license and training documentation. If the trucker was untrained or inexperienced, then the trucker and the trucking company may be held liable for your accident injuries.
Don’t delay: call an Atlanta personal injury lawyer today at Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 for a free, confidential consultation, and start your road to recovery.