Hyattsville Untrained Truck Driver Accident Attorney

Experienced Attorney for Accidents Involving Improper Truck Driver Training in Hyattsville, Maryland

Operating a commercial truck requires skill, concentration, and a strong understanding of both the vehicle and the road. Due to their immense size and complexity, large trucks can become dangerous in the hands of untrained or poorly trained drivers. Commercial truck drivers must meet specific requirements before taking the wheel of an 18-wheeler, tanker, or delivery vehicle. When a trucking company fails to ensure that its drivers have the necessary training, serious truck accidents become much more likely.

At Kisner Law, we represent people who have been injured in truck accidents involving inadequate driver training or other factors. We work to uncover corporate negligence and hold trucking companies responsible for putting unqualified drivers on the road. Attorney Jason Kisner has the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to investigate the causes of truck accidents. With his persistence and his aggressive advocacy on behalf of injury victims, he can help ensure that justice is served in these cases.

The Importance of Proper Training for Truck Drivers

Driving a commercial truck is different from driving a standard passenger vehicle. Trucks are larger, slower to maneuver, harder to stop, and more vulnerable to certain road hazards. A truck driver is required to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL), and they must receive appropriate instruction and training before operating a commercial vehicle.

Proper training should include:

• Vehicle Operation: A driver needs to understand how to safely operate and maneuver a commercial truck, including turning, shifting gears, backing up, and braking.
• Pre-Trip Inspections: A driver should receive training on how to inspect a truck for mechanical issues before and during a trip, including checking brakes, tires, and lights and making sure cargo is properly secured.
• Load Securement: A driver should receive instructions on how to properly load and secure cargo to prevent shifting or falling loads that could cause rollovers or other types of truck accidents.
• Hazard Awareness: A driver should be able to recognize and respond to road hazards, weather conditions, steep grades, and heavy traffic.
• Defensive Driving Techniques: Drivers should be trained on strategies to anticipate and avoid accidents, maintain safe following distances, and respond to aggressive drivers.
• Hours-of-Service Regulations: Drivers should understand the legal limits for driving time and mandatory rest periods to prevent driver fatigue.
• Emergency Procedures: Drivers should be trained on how to handle tire blowouts, jackknifing, engine failures, and other emergencies.

Without adequate instruction covering all of these areas, truck drivers may make mistakes that put other motorists at serious risk of injury or death in a collision.

When Trucking Companies May Be Liable for Poor Training

Trucking companies have a legal duty to ensure that their drivers are properly trained, qualified, and capable of operating commercial vehicles. If a company fails to meet this responsibility, and a crash results from a driver's lack of skill or knowledge, the company may be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.

Examples of trucking company negligence include:

• Hiring inexperienced drivers without proper CDL certification
• Failing to provide required safety training or continuing education
• Neglecting to test a driver's skills before assigning them to a route
• Allowing drivers to operate vehicles without supervision or mentoring
• Ignoring complaints or performance issues raised about a driver
• Failing to enforce compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations

How Kisner Law Investigates Inadequate Training and Corporate Negligence

Proving that a truck accident was caused by inadequate training will often require a detailed investigation. Attorney Kisner can take steps to identify all contributing factors and uncover evidence that points to lapses in training or oversight. Investigations may include:

• Reviewing Company Hiring Policies: We assess whether the trucking company followed the proper procedures when vetting the driver's background, qualifications, and training history.
• Obtaining Employment and Training Records: These documents may show whether the driver completed required training programs or had documented performance issues.
• Analyzing Driver Logs and Safety Histories: We examine prior violations, accident reports, and any history of unsafe driving behavior that went unaddressed.
• Deposing Company Representatives: Testimony from supervisors, safety officers, and trainers may reveal gaps in company procedures or violations of FMCSA rules.
• Collaborating With Trucking Industry Experts: We may consult with independent experts to evaluate whether the company's training protocols meet legal and industry standards.

Contact Our Hyattsville Truck Accident Attorney for Lack of Training

When a truck accident has been caused by an improperly trained driver, victims deserve to know the truth about what happened, and they can take steps to receive compensation for their damages. At Kisner Law, we investigate the conduct of trucking companies, expose unsafe training practices, and fight to ensure that victims will have the resources they need as they recover from their injuries. Set up a free consultation today by contacting us at 240-459-0097.