How the High Cost of Commercial Truck Safety Puts Everyone in Harm’s Way

In 2023, over 2,500 Alabamians were injured in large truck crashes. With well over 3 million private and commercial trucks operating within our state, local motorists are at an enhanced risk of being involved, injured, or even killed in a trucking-related crash. However, there are many safety protocols that have been shown to mitigate some of these risks.

Unfortunately, many safety enhancements come at an exorbitant cost – leading many commercial carriers to cut corners or scrape by with the bare minimum. Here’s a quick explanation of how the cost-prohibitive nature of commercial truck safety features elevates risk for all local motorists.

Why truck safety matters

Large commercial trucks are extremely powerful and can subsequently do serious damage in the event of an accident. For a little perspective: the average passenger vehicle weighs about 4,000 pounds, while the average commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. That kind of poundage packs a serious punch in a sudden impact and can wreak all kinds of havoc on other vehicles, personal property, and human beings as a result.

Proactive safety measures are intended to mitigate some of the risks posed by these looming vehicles, and the federal government requires adherence to a wide variety of established safety standards. In fact, there are federal agencies dedicated to setting safety standards for commercial trucks – the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates motor carriers and commercial driver operations (including safety rules like hours-of-service), while NHTSA issues vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) for vehicle/equipment design.

The FMCSA establishes and publishes clear guidance for ensuring and enhancing the safety of commercial vehicles in order to cut back on the potential for devastating accidents involving these large pieces of moving machinery. The penalties for violating FMCSA standards can be severe, but these regulations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to safety-enhancing protocols for commercial trucking companies.

Common causes of trucking accidents

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) collects a wealth of crash data for all vehicle types, including commercial trucks and other large vehicles. According to crash statistics from 2023, some of the leading causes of truck accidents include:

• Improper lane change/use
• Failure to yield
• Unseen objects, people, or vehicles
• Tailgating (following too closely)
• Misjudged stopping distance
• Defective equipment
• Avoiding hazards
• Improper turns and backing
• Speeding
• Driver fatigue
• Driving under the influence

As you can see, many truck accidents are entirely avoidable with the right combination of personal responsibility and regulatory oversight. When carriers skirt regulations, however, the consequences can be life-altering and even fatal for everyone involved.

Why is truck safety so expensive?

Compliance with federal trucking regulations can be costly for drivers, carriers, and other industry professionals. As a result, many companies search for creative ways to cut costs or circumvent particularly expensive requirements. In order to comply with FMCSA standards, commercial trucking companies must invest in compliance efforts like:

• Routine fleet maintenance
• Regular inspections
• Recruiting and retaining qualified drivers (and compensating them accordingly)
• Comprehensive employee training programs
• Reliable safety technology
• Equipment upgrades
• Electronic monitoring tools

All of these safety mechanisms cost money and can impact a trucking company’s bottom line. As a result, some companies look for loopholes or try to implement the cheapest possible solutions in an effort to cut costs. However, these cost-saving measures can increase the likelihood of a serious truck crash, which subsequently puts trucking companies in even greater financial jeopardy.

How sub-standard safety protocols affect truck accident claims

When a trucking company fails to invest in the safety of its fleet, it can face serious ramifications in the event of an accident. If an accident victim can clearly show that a safety violation caused the crash that caused their injuries, they may be able to pursue a claim against the trucking company responsible.

This is because fault for motor vehicle accidents is usually determined based on whether or not an alleged at-fault party violated their legal duty of care to the victim. Failing to adhere to required safety standards often constitutes a violation of a carrier’s legal duties, which can make them susceptible to claims of accident liability.

For example, if you were injured in a truck underride accident with a commercial vehicle that lacked required underride guards, the trucking company may be deemed liable for any harm you suffered in the crash. Similarly, if a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel because they did not adhere to hours-of-service (HOS) requirements, they could be held legally responsible in the event of an accident.

How a truck accident lawyer can help

If you are injured in a truck accident, it’s important that you consult with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney who can help you determine whether any safety violations played a role in your crash. Truck accident lawyers are familiar with FMCSA and other safety regulations and can help pinpoint exactly what went awry to cause your accident.

If your attorney’s investigation reveals that the truck driver or carrier service involved in your accident violated safety standards in an attempt to save money, they may argue that the company should compensate you for any injuries or other losses you suffered. If you and your legal team successfully argue for liability on the part of the trucking company, you may wind up getting most, if not all, of your accident-related costs covered.

Keep in mind, however, that Alabama adheres to a contributory negligence system when determining accident liability, which means if you’re found partly responsible for the crash, you may not be able to collect compensation. This is why it’s so important to work with an experienced lawyer who knows how these laws could impact your case, what exceptions to the policy exist, and ways to combat such allegations.

Final thoughts

Truck drivers take the safety of themselves and hundreds of other motorists into their hands each and every day. Even though the government outlines a variety of safety regulations to mitigate some of the risks posed by commercial truck accidents, attempts to cut costs often backfire on negligent carriers.

At Martin & Helms, we believe trucking companies should be held accountable when they put the safety of Alabamians at risk. With over 20 years of experience supporting accident victims in Huntsville and the surrounding areas, we know what it takes to highlight carrier failures and build strong cases for compensation.

If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident and you suspect a safety violation may have been to blame, give us a call today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our team. We’re standing by to learn more about your accident and to offer you the legal support you need to make empowered decisions in your case.