What Happens to the Career of a Semi-Truck Driver After a Crash? – 24/7 Support
If you or a loved one is a truck accident victim, you may wonder what happens to the semi-truck driver’s career after the crash. The at-fault driver may either be fired or get to keep their job, depending on many factors.
These factors could include the truck driver’s role in the accident, whether it is their first offense, and if they engaged in any reckless behavior that caused the wreck. Our truck accident attorneys will be honored to review your case and answer any questions you may have.
Is the Truck Driver an Independent Contractor or an Employee?
For a truck company to hold vicarious liability for the negligent driver’s actions, the driver must be considered an employee. But many semi-truck drivers own their trucks and work as independent contractors providing services to various companies on a “per route” model. Companies may escape responsibility for the driver’s actions this way. If a driver who is an independent contractor causes an accident, the trucking company cannot be held liable for the offense. But they may choose to terminate their contract with the negligent driver and destroy the career of a Semi-Truck driver after a crash.
If the driver is a truck company employee, several factors may dictate whether they keep their job. These include:
Who Was Responsible for the Crash?
If the other party holds most of the responsibility for the crash, the trucking company may choose to defend the driver and retain their contract. But if the driver holds the primary liability, they may be fired.
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The Trucker’s Driving History
Was this the driver’s first accident, or were they involved in multiple accidents, including one with semi-trucks? If their history shows a repeat offense, the company may fire the driver.
The Trucker Was Driving While Intoxicated
Trucking companies tend to have a zero-tolerance policy for drivers operating their semi-trucks while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The trucker may be fired even if the impaired driving did not result in a wreck.
The Trucker Was Speeding
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that speeding tends to increase the risk of accidents. Since semi-trucks are loaded with heavy cargo, speeding can make them a massive threat to the safety of other drivers. If a driver is found speeding, the trucking company will consider them a liability and choose to part ways.
This is especially true if the trucker was speeding near a hospital, school, or work zone or has multiple speeding citations on their driving record.
Trucker Engaged in Road Rage
Violence and road rage can affect how you traverse the roads. A trucker that’s violent with other drivers can become a significant liability to the trucking company. And as such, it may choose to fire the trucker if their road rage caused the wreck or if they chose to act violently after the crash.
Not Following Company Protocols or Trucking Regulations
The trucker must follow the safety protocols put forth by the trucking company, along with the federal trucking regulations aimed to protect all motorists from wrecks. If the trucker is found to have not complied with the standard protocols or regulations, they may be fired from the job.
The Company’s or Client’s Property Is Damaged
If the accident causes damage to the truck or the cargo, it can result in tremendous loss to the company. Their reputation may also be tarnished, and the client may choose to end their contract with the truck company.
Preventable Accidents
Many semi-truck accidents result from simple negligence and recklessness on the trucker’s part. For example, not adhering to traffic laws, tailgating, and more. If the company sees a pattern of careless actions in the trucker’s driving history, the trucker will likely be fired.
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Hire a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney to Hold the Negligent Party Accountable
Due to the sheer size and velocity of semi-trucks, one reckless trucker can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial havoc in many innocent drivers’ and passengers’ lives.
If you are involved in a semi-truck accident, you will likely be struggling with insurmountable medical bills and other financial obligations. Filing a claim or lawsuit against the negligent driver and their trucking company is an effective way to secure justice. You could obtain a fair payment that can ease some of your financial strain from medical expenses, wage loss, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
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