An inexperienced truck driver in Dothan poses a significant threat to everyone on the road. When trucking companies don’t ensure their workers have a valid commercial driver’s license and proper driver training, they put innocent people at risk of catastrophic or fatal truck crashes.
Truck accidents due to improper training upend lives. Parker Trial Law proudly represents truck accident victims in their fight for fair compensation. We’ve fought for Alabama’s injured for almost a decade and recovered millions for our clients. Unlike some law firms, our Dothan truck accident attorneys focus on taking cases to trial.
Insurance companies know we’re serious about defending your rights. Additionally, we save you financial stress by never charging upfront fees for our services. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
What Are the Requirements to Drive a Large Truck in Alabama?
Anyone who drives a large truck in Alabama needs a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Unlike many states, Alabama does not require applicants to hold a CDL permit before they can receive a CDL. CDL applicants must be at least 18 years old to drive within Alabama and 21 to drive across state lines or haul hazardous materials.
Drivers who meet the age requirements for a CDL must also pass knowledge and driving skills tests based on the type of vehicle they plan to drive. They also need to provide proof of their identity and lawful residency status. A clean driving record is also required for a CDL, as any severe traffic violations can disqualify an applicant.
As of February 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires anyone applying for their first CDL to go through entry-level driver training (ELDT). ELDT training sets minimum standards for driver education. To ensure compliance with federal regulations, first-time CDL applicants must receive training from someone in the FMCSA’s approved Training Provider Registry (TPR). ELDT rules cover both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel driving.
CDL applicants must also pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam. A doctor will check an applicant’s vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health to ensure they’re physically fit to operate a large truck safely. As with entry-level training, a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry must perform the exam. Applicants who pass the test will receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, which they must keep current to hold a valid CDL.
How Does Improper Training Lead to Truck Accidents in Dothan?
Inadequate driver training is a significant safety threat for anyone sharing the road with a truck driver in Alabama. For example, a poorly trained driver might not understand how much space a fully loaded truck needs to stop safely. If traffic suddenly slows down on the highway, a driver without proper training might brake too late and cause a rear-end crash.
In other cases, commercial truck drivers might take turns too fast because they don’t realize how easily a trailer can roll over when its weight shifts.
Backing up a truck with a large trailer is another skill that requires proper training and experience. A driver who doesn’t know how to check their mirrors, use a spotter, or judge distances could easily back into another vehicle, a loading dock, or even a person.
Lane changes can be dangerous, too, when a truck driver doesn’t have proper training. Trucks have large blind spots. An inexperienced or untrained driver might not check them carefully before moving over. This behavior can cause devastating sideswipe crashes.
Bad weather creates even more risks for truckers without sufficient training because of how rain, ice, and snow affect a truck’s handling. A driver without experience or instruction in these conditions might not slow down enough, causing the truck to skid or jackknife.
Finally, a proper pre-trip inspection is essential for truck drivers, but knowing how to do one takes practice. (It’s part of Alabama’s CDL test.) Without training on how to check brakes, tires, and lights, a driver might miss a serious issue that leads to a breakdown or crash.
How Can a Dothan Truck Accident Lawyer Help If I’ve Been Injured in a Truck Crash?
A truck accident lawyer in Dothan can step in to protect your rights and build a strong case, especially if the crash involved an untrained or poorly trained driver.
- One of the first things your lawyer can do is investigate the accident. This investigation typically includes steps like reviewing the crash report, gathering statements from eyewitnesses, and examining photos or video footage.
- Your lawyer might also request the truck driver’s training records and qualifications to see if they met the legal requirements to operate a commercial vehicle.
- An experienced truck accident lawyer also knows how to find out whether the trucking company provided the proper training or skipped steps to save time or money, which could make it liable for your injuries.
- Your lawyer might work with medical experts to document your injuries and show how the accident has affected your life. They calculate what your truck accident claim is worth and negotiate with the insurance company so you don’t accept a low settlement.
- Lastly, your lawyer presents your story to the court if your case goes to trial. Personal injury attorneys in Dothan argue for a living and can offer evidence from the crash investigation to support your claim. Your truck accident attorney can also question the other side’s evidence or witnesses to strengthen your case.
What Are a Trucking Company’s Responsibilities Related to Driver Training?
Trucking companies must ensure their drivers have the skills and training to operate a commercial truck safely, as outlined in § 383.111 and § 383.113 of the Code of Federal Regulations. They should make sure the driver has a valid CDL and check to see if the driver needs entry-level training under FMCSA regulations.
Contact Us Today to Explore Your Legal Options for Recovering Financial Compensation
Do you need help rebuilding your life after a truck accident in Alabama? Parker Trial Law can investigate the truck driver’s credentials to see if their lack of training was to blame. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Alabama.
