Did Inadequate Driver Training Lead to Your Truck Accident?
Commercial trucks are not easy to operate. Advanced training and skills tests are required before an individual is lawfully allowed to operate a big rig. Inadequate truck driver training is a significant safety risk that increases the odds of a truck accident. If your accident was caused by an untrained or inexperienced truck driver, you have legal rights. Let our truck accident attorney in LA recover your rightful compensation.
Incompetent Truck Drivers and Trucking Accidents
Large trucks are unique vehicles that require an additional level of knowledge and training than standard motor vehicles. They have unique elements such as large blind spots, wide turns and air brake systems. Truck drivers must undergo the proper training to know how to safely and effectively operate semi-trucks. A lack of knowledge, training and experience drastically increases the odds of the driver causing a truck accident.
What Are the Truck Driver Training Requirements in California?
Truck drivers in California must comply with both state and federal training requirements. Under the FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations, a qualifying truck driver must be 18 or older, pass a general knowledge test, possess a valid commercial driver’s license, submit a driving record for the last 10 years and complete the required training under subpart F of part 380. The ELDT program must be administered by an approved provider listed on the Training Provider Registry. The curriculum in this program covers basic truck operation, safety fundamentals, hazard awareness, pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections, basic vehicular control, backing and docking, communication, night operation, extreme driving conditions, skid control, non-driving activities, and more. Once a driver has completed the ELDT program, he or she must also meet the statewide eligibility requirements to become a driver in California. This includes providing proof of California residency and possessing a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Drivers must also pass special skill, training and aptitude tests to obtain a California commercial driver’s license (CDL).
How Can You Prove Inadequate Truck Driver Training?
A truck driver who has not received the proper training is more likely to make mistakes that lead to accidents, such as misjudging stopping distance, following too closely, making unsafe lane changes and speeding around curves. If an accident occurs, injured victims have the right to hold the trucking company responsible for an untrained driver. Companies have a legal obligation to only hire qualified and competent drivers, as well as to correctly train them before allowing them to operate big rigs. During a truck accident claim, you or your Los Angeles injury attorney will have to prove inadequate driver training. Although evidence can vary from case to case, it may include the truck driver’s employment history and medical records, the driver’s credentials or qualifications, the trucking company’s driver training records, the company’s legal compliance history, and depositions from the truck driver or trucking company.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If you have reason to believe that your truck accident in Los Angeles was caused by an unqualified or untrained truck driver, do not hesitate to contact an attorney about your legal rights. You may be eligible for financial compensation from the truck driver or company. The right attorney can investigate your accident and gather evidence of inadequate training. Contact Rose, Klein & Marias LLP today for a free case evaluation.