As the owner of a truck, or even a fleet of trucks in Jacksonville it is important that you hire a Jacksonville truck accident lawyer – trucking accidents are quite common and you want to be covered legally in case one of your trucks is involved in one. It doesn’t matter how good your drivers are – the accident may not be their fault but it will still be an accident. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
• The first and most common is negligence and driver error. Drivers are fatigued after days on the road, sometimes they drink alcohol or use a controlled substance, they may be distracted by something else – all these increase the risk that your trucks will be in accident. It is best to hire drivers who have a clean driving record. Make sure that they are not on the road too long.
• Truck equipment failure also leads to truck accidents. This is when the equipment in the truck is not working properly. You are required to inspect your trucks before each trip and you should also do regular maintenance. This way you reduce the chances of accidents. Many truck owners prefer to buy second hand trucks because they are cheaper. If this is what you plan to do make sure that they are inspected by a professional mechanic in advance. Ask to see maintenance logs.
• Loading your truck poorly can also cause an accident. If you pile too much weight on one side it will cause an imbalance that can lead to an accident. Make sure that each load is inspected and meets the required standards.
In case any of your trucks is in an accident you should call your Jacksonville truck accident lawyer immediately. There are issues of cause to be established and your driver may not be able to handle the other driver. Your lawyer will also follow up to make sure that you are properly compensated by your insurance company. If there are injuries or fatalities your lawyer is best placed to take care of the legal issues and to make sure that your liability is minimal.
