One of the complicating factors related to truck accidents is that unknown reasons can cause these serious motor vehicle accidents. For example, some accidents are due to inadequate training. Drivers may lack the necessary skills to safely operate the truck entrusted to them, which can lead to critical errors in judgment and mistakes on the road.
Inexperienced truck drivers and trucking companies may be responsible for accidents for this reason. An experienced truck accident lawyer from Salango Law, PLLC, can investigate your case and help demand the compensation you are owed.
How Inadequate Training Contributes to Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks are large machines that weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Inexperienced truck drivers may cause accidents for the following reasons:
- Handling problems: Commercial trucks are much more difficult to handle than a standard passenger vehicle. They have a higher center of gravity, a larger turning radius, and huge blind spots. Training can help drivers adapt to these differences. Lack of training can cause accidents when drivers don’t know how to navigate steep hills, tight turns, or other situations.
- Unfamiliarity with safety regulations: The trucking industry is heavily regulated by state and federal laws. Not knowing these laws could jeopardize the safety of other drivers, such as when drivers do not properly secure their load, take required breaks, or forget to check equipment.
- Inability to respond to emergencies: Untrained commercial truck drivers may not know how to respond to emergencies. For example, they might not know what to do when a tire suddenly blows out or their load starts to shift.
If you get the impression that the truck driver was not experienced or did not know what they were doing, you should contact an experienced truck accident lawyer for assistance. We can conduct an investigation into the driver’s training and explore legal options for financial compensation.
Requirements to Become a Truck Driver in West Virginia
The requirements to obtain a commercial driver’s license in West Virginia are minimal. A person must be at least 18 years old and have at least one year of driving history. Then, they must pass a commercial driver’s license written and road skills test.
Drivers who did not have a commercial driver’s license before February 7, 2022, and are applying for a Class A or B CDL must complete an entry-level driver training course required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA also requires that drivers meet specific physical qualification standards and carry evidence that they meet these standards while operating their vehicles.
While some trucking companies provide drivers with additional training, many do not. Failing to provide drivers with training could leave them ill-equipped to handle the unique challenges of the job.
Contact Us Today for a Free Legal Review
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by inadequate training, an experienced truck accident lawyer from Salango Law, PLLC, can help. Call us at (304) 342-0512 to set up a free case review.