Commercial truck drivers operate massive, complex vehicles that require advanced skills and constant attention to safety. Federal regulations require trucking companies to properly train their drivers before allowing them on public roads.
When companies rush drivers into service without adequate instruction, serious accidents become far more likely. Inadequate training can leave drivers unprepared to handle emergency situations, leading to a higher risk of truck accidents.
If you have been involved in a truck collision due to another’s inadequate training, contact our Aurora truck accident lawyers to file a claim and discuss your legal options. Schedule your free consultation today.
Victims of poorly trained truck drivers often suffer severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Broken bones
- Internal organ injuries
- Amputations
Untrained drivers may misjudge stopping distances, take turns too quickly, or overload brakes. Even a single mistake can result in catastrophic injuries.
Are Trucking Companies Required to Properly Train Their Drivers?
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require trucking companies to ensure that drivers are qualified and properly trained before operating commercial vehicles. This includes instruction on:
- Safe vehicle operation and braking techniques
- Load handling and weight distribution
- Defensive driving practices
- Hazard recognition and avoidance
- Hours-of-service compliance and fatigue management
- Emergency procedures and accident response
- Vehicle inspection and reporting requirements
Companies must also verify a driver’s licensing, driving history, and medical qualifications before allowing them behind the wheel.
Despite these requirements, some companies still send inexperienced drivers onto the road with minimal training or supervision.
Companies may engage in careless behavior like:
- Skipping formal driver training programs
- Providing only basic orientation instead of hands-on instruction
- Failing to train drivers on specific equipment or cargo types
- Ignoring poor driving records or prior safety violations
- Allowing new drivers to operate without supervision
These shortcuts make Aurora’s roads less safe.
Who Is Liable in Truck Accidents Caused by Inadequate Training?
Motor carriers have a legal duty to train and supervise their drivers. A company that hires unqualified drivers or fails to provide adequate instruction may be directly liable for negligence.
However, other parties could share liability as well, including:
- Truck drivers must follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely. If a driver acts carelessly or violates safety regulations, they may share responsibility for the crash.
- If a third-party agency supplied the driver or handled training, it may also bear liability for placing an unprepared driver on the road.
- In some cases, vehicle or equipment providers may be responsible for a lack of training on specialized equipment or defective systems that contribute to a crash.
Under Illinois comparative fault law, any party that contributed to the crash may be held financially responsible for your damages. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of blame. However, you cannot recover damages if you are more than 50% responsible.
Contact an Aurora Truck Accident Lawyer for Help Securing Compensation
If you or a loved one was injured in an Aurora truck accident involving an untrained or poorly trained driver, an experienced truck accident attorney can help protect your rights. Your lawyer can obtain driver training records, employment files, safety audits, electronic driving data, and expert testimony to prove how the company’s failures led to your injuries.
An attorney can also calculate the full value of your losses, including future medical care, lost income, and the long-term impact on your quality of life.
Contact Feagans Law Group today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.