The trucking industry requires somebody who is able to drive long hours through whatever weather conditions Mother Nature throws at them
. Being able to stay focused driving across the country and being able to meet deadlines is how the industry functions. The entire trucking industry is the backbone of this American economy. When goods get sold they need to be delivered in a timely mater.
Driving an 18-wheelers can be very difficult and accidents are more likely to occur. The trucks are very long and they can sometimes stretch as long as a city block, which can makes it hard for other drivers to maneuver around them. Trying to drive such a large vehicle in tight places can be dangerous for you, other drivers and pedestrians. The cargo that the trucks carry can sometimes weigh more than 75,000 pounds so trying to stop these massive vehicles takes very precise timing and knowing how the truck handles.
The trucking company has also been affected by the slow economy. With high fuel costs and the economy being so terrible truck drivers are feeling the pressure to carry much heavier loads and deliver them in a faster time, which can cause a higher risk of getting into an accident. From 2008 to 2009 truckload shipments fell 15%. Meanwhile the supply at trucking firms, trucks, and drivers available has been reduced because of these various economic factors.
Being able to do this job in a timely and safe matter is a task these drivers face on a daily basis. When trucking accidents happen many questions be going through your head. Naming the proper defendant or defendants sounds simple enough but it can get tricky to answer. If the driver works for a trucking company, he or she may be an employee or an independent contractor. But if the driver is an employee then the trucking company should be the defendant. Also the amount of weight comes into factor. If the truck was in violation the other party may keep this information for them.
Accidents happen all the time and the only way to prepare for them is to know your rights. Asking the right questions and seeking the right help can make the process easier for everybody.