Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when loaded and are much larger than passenger vehicles. Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the vehicle’s size, weight, and force of impact.
Commercial truck drivers must receive special training and education to operate one of these massive vehicles safely. When unqualified drivers get behind the wheel, the safety of all motorists on the road with them is at risk.
If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by another party, you should be compensated for your damages. Make sure to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Chicago.
What Is An Unqualified Driver?
Commercial truck drivers should have these minimum qualifications:
- Have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- Be at least 21 for interstate driving.
- Have a clean driving record.
- Be in good physical and mental health.
- Pass a thorough background check.
- Receive adequate commercial driver training.
Anyone without at least these minimum requirements should be deemed unqualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
Additionally, drivers who meet these qualifications could become disqualified and have their licenses suspended or revoked for violating commercial driving regulations or traffic laws.
Liability For Accidents Involving Unqualified Drivers
Trucking companies can be tempted to cut corners and overlook disqualifying factors to keep their fleet on the road. However, employers are responsible for determining that their drivers can safely operate their vehicles.
When trucking companies hire drivers without ensuring they have adequate training and a clean driving record, they can be held liable for damages caused by an unqualified driver.
Proving Negligence in Truck Accident Cases
Most truck accidents are caused by negligence. To prove a claim based on the theory of negligence, you must establish the existence of four elements:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care. All motorists owe a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely to prevent harm to others. Truck drivers and the trucking companies that employ them owe a duty of care to ensure the trucks are driven safely to avoid harming other motorists.
- The defendant breached their duty of care. If a truck driver did not have proper training or was otherwise unqualified, they and the trucking company may have breached their duty of care to avoid harming others.
- The defendant’s breach of duty was the cause of your accident. You must prove that the cause of your accident was the fact that the truck driver was unqualified to operate the vehicle safely.
- You suffered damages. You must prove that you incurred economic or non-economic damages because the defendants breached their duty of care.
Each of these elements must be proven with substantial evidence. At Meyers & Flowers, our truck accident lawyers carefully investigate your accident to identify all causes and establish the liability of all responsible parties.
Schedule a Free Consultation With An Illinois Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident caused by an unqualified truck driver, you may be able to recover significant compensation for your damages. However, insurance companies work hard to avoid liability and avoid paying you the full value of your claim. You need an experienced Chicago injury lawyer to protect your rights and help you secure maximum compensation.
At Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys, our attorneys have a proven record of recovering billions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We want to help you obtain the justice and compensation you are entitled to. Call (630) 394-5189 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your truck accident claim.