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Large trucks are a vital part of Tennessee’s economy, but they can also pose serious risks when the companies that operate them cut corners. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in crashes involving commercial trucks. Many of these collisions could have been prevented if trucking companies had followed basic safety standards when hiring and training their drivers.
At The Gold Law Firm, we represent victims and families throughout Memphis and Tennessee who have suffered due to trucking companies’ carelessness or negligence. Our attorneys understand how to uncover the truth behind these crashes and hold companies accountable when their poor decisions lead to life-changing injuries or wrongful deaths.
The Problem with Unsafe Trucking Practices
Trucking companies are legally required to ensure that every driver they place on the road is properly licensed, trained, and physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle. Unfortunately, many companies fail to meet these standards. They may rush to fill positions, overlook red flags in background checks, or fail to provide adequate supervision once a driver is hired.
In recent years, a growing shortage of truck drivers has exacerbated the problem. Some companies now hire inexperienced or underqualified drivers to keep their fleets running. Others use independent contractors to avoid safety oversight. These practices create serious dangers for everyone sharing the road.
When an inexperienced or untrained driver loses control of an 80,000-pound vehicle, the results can be catastrophic. Victims often suffer severe injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, amputations, or permanent disability.
Examples of Negligent Hiring and Training
Unsafe trucking practices can take many forms.
The most common include:
- Hiring unqualified drivers. Some drivers are hired without the proper commercial driver’s license or experience with the type of vehicle they are assigned to operate.
- Failing to conduct background checks. Employers sometimes ignore prior safety violations, substance abuse problems, or criminal records.
- Inadequate training programs. Drivers may not receive sufficient instruction on braking distances, cargo loading, or fatigue management.
- Ignoring medical fitness requirements. Federal law requires periodic physical exams to confirm a driver’s ability to operate a truck safely. Some companies skip or falsify these evaluations.
- Lack of supervision. Even experienced drivers need ongoing monitoring. Companies that fail to enforce safety policies, drug testing, and logbook compliance put everyone at risk.
When these types of failures cause harm, the trucking company can and should be held legally responsible.
Proving Company Liability After a Truck Crash
Proving that a trucking company’s negligence caused a crash takes detailed investigation and substantial evidence. At The Gold Law Firm, we begin each case by securing driver qualification files, training records, and safety compliance reports. We also review the company’s hiring policies and any prior violations recorded with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Additional evidence may include:
- The truck’s onboard electronic logging data.
- Drug and alcohol test results.
- Witness statements and expert analysis.
- Dash-cam or surveillance footage.
- Maintenance and inspection records.
Once we establish that the company violated safety standards or acted recklessly, we build a case for maximum compensation.
Every case is different, but one thing remains constant: trucking companies must be held to the same standards as every other business. They have a duty to protect the public, and when they fail to fulfill this duty, they must be held accountable for their actions.
Call The Gold Law Firm for Help Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, do not face the trucking company and its insurers alone. Let The Gold Law Firm fight for you. Our experienced attorneys will investigate the cause of the crash, prove negligence, and pursue full and fair compensation for your losses.
Contact our Shelby County personal injury attorneys today by calling or texting (901) 244-5003 or online to schedule your free and confidential consultation. We are ready to hold negligent trucking companies accountable and help you move forward with confidence.
