With their excessive length, heavy cargo, and long stopping distances, logging trucks are some of the most difficult to control, even compared to other large semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. Increasing the danger, logging trucks often drive on small rural roads on their way to pick up and drop off their cargo. It is for this reason that logging truck drivers need to be properly trained and vetted by their employers.
Most people are familiar with the fact that a negligent driver can be held liable for any injuries that are caused by their dangerous driving. What is less known, however, is that a commercial driver’s employer may also be held liable if it can be shown that the driver did not possess the adequate training, experience, or support to safely operate their vehicle. In some cases, trucking companies will even encourage their employees to “bend” the rules and stay out on the road longer than is legally permissible.
In fact, whether or not it is explicitly stated, almost all truck drivers are financially incentivized to drive longer and rest less. This is because most drivers are paid per mile, rather than per hour. Thus, the more miles covered in a day, the higher the driver’s take-home pay.
Logging Truck Driver Overcorrects and Rolls Truck, Causing Fatal Accident
Earlier this month in North Carolina, one man was killed when a logging truck flipped over directly in front of his pick-up truck on the highway, leaving him no time to avoid the accident. According to one local news source covering the incident, the accident occurred at mid-day on a weekday, with no adverse driving conditions noted.
Evidently, the logging truck inexplicably veered over the center line. The driver attempted to get back into his lane but overcorrected in the process. As a result, the truck flipped over, blocking almost the entire roadway. An approaching pick-up truck crashed into the logging truck as it lay across the road.
The pick-up truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency workers. The driver of the logging truck was taken to the hospital, and he is expected to recover. Police told reporters that the truck driver will likely face criminal charges for his role in the fatal accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been hurt in a Maryland or Washington, D.C. truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to help you recoup the costs associated with the accident. This may include amounts for all past and future medical expenses related to the accident, lost wages, decrease in earning capacity, and any pain and suffering you endured. The dedicated and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at the Maryland and Washington, D.C.-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen have decades of experience representing victims in truck accident cases and all other personal injury matters. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation. Calling is free and will not result in any obligation on your part unless we are able to help you obtain compensation.
More Blog Posts:
State Supreme Court Holds “School Activity Bus” Is Not Considered a “School Bus” for Purposes of Governmental Immunity, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 17, 2016.
Court Upholds Verdict Against Trucking Company in Fatal Amtrak Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 3, 2016.