Reckless driving encompasses a variety of unsafe behaviors, from tailgating to changing lanes improperly to speeding or brake checking. Truck drivers are expected to avoid these high-risk behaviors, especially since they are operating large vehicles weighing as much as 80,000 pounds.
Unfortunately, drivers don’t always obey the rules of the road or follow best practices for safe operations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. When a truck driver behaves in an unsafe or careless way behind the wheel, this can result in a collision and lead to serious or even fatal injuries.
If you or someone you love was hurt by a reckless trucker, you have the right to pursue a claim for justice — but you need a strong advocate on your side to help. At Drafahl Law Firm, our attorneys have recovered millions in motor vehicle accident claims, and we know how to put together a strong reckless driving claim using evidence like black box data, surveillance video, and more. We’ll put that experience to work on your case.
Reach out to a St. Louis truck accident lawyer at Drafahl Law Firm today to learn more about how our firm can fight for you.
Reckless Driving and Truck Accidents
Reckless driving is a leading cause of crashes on U.S. roads, with just one reckless behavior — speeding– playing a role in around 27.8% of all fatal collisions, according to Pew Research. A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report also found that speeding was a contributing factor in around 32% of accidents involving large trucks — which is more than the overall average among all vehicles.
Unfortunately, speeding is just one of many reckless behaviors drivers engage in. The FMCSA listed some of the most common violations associated with driving a commercial motor vehicle, including:
- Following another driver too closely
- Making improper lane changes
- Improper turns
- Driving in an unsafe manner
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Violating railroad grade crossing regulations
- Failing to obey a traffic control device
These behaviors have outsized consequences in trucks because of their size. For example, trucks have a longer stopping distance than cars, so when a driver is tailgating, a collision becomes even more difficult to avoid.
Holding drivers and trucking companies accountable for reckless driving
Reckless driving is taken very seriously by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. As a result, certain serious offenses can disqualify drivers from continuing to hold a CDL or can result in a lengthy suspension of a commercial driver’s license. For example, speeding excessively, driving recklessly, and erratic lane changes can lead to a minimum 60-day disqualification period.
When an employer knows or reasonably should know a driver is disqualified, the FMCSA also said the employer must not allow the driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
If any FMCSA regulations are violated, this creates a presumption of negligence that can make it easier for collision victims to pursue a claim for compensation.
Victims can also make a case against a trucker when the trucker behaves in an unreasonably negligent way that leads to a crash. And, trucking companies can be held accountable for the carelessness of their drivers on the job, regardless of their own negligence.
It’s up to victims to make their claim, though, which means gathering the evidence they need to show recklessness on the road.
Getting Help from a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer
At Drafahl Law Firm, our St. Louis truck accident lawyers will fight for you at every step of your case when you were harmed by a reckless driver. We know how to investigate these claims, gather evidence, obtain police reports, and put together a strong claim.
Give us a call today to get a dedicated member of our legal team on your side so you can get the compensation you deserve.