Poor Route Planning
Truck drivers must appropriately plan their route, taking into consideration the weight and size of their loads, and other conditions. Not all routes and roads are appropriate for all loads, and not all routes are appropriate for all conditions. Oftentimes, drivers are operating their trucks on roads they should not be on, creating dangerous situations.
The driver must also plan accordingly to account for proper breaks for rest, to re-fuel, and to inspect cargo.
When a driver has not properly planned his route, accidents occur. For example, a truck moving an oversized load should have a police escort or caravan to ensure other drivers are not put at risk. Many trucking companies fail to take this important safety precaution to save money. Likewise, a truck driver pressed for time may speed through a construction zone. These situations are extremely dangerous. In some cases they are fatal.
Drivers being unfamiliar with the roadway is a factor in 22% of trucking accidents, according to a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted over several years. Truck drivers who travel long distances, and commercial drivers making deliveries or providing service to remote location, are likely to be unfamiliar with a given stretch of road. This puts people at risk of serious injury or death.
The Houston truck accident attorneys at Morrow & Sheppard can help you evaluate whether poor route planning led to your 18-wheeler truck or commercial vehicle accident. They have the skills and experience to help you and your family secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options. Your consultation will be kept secret, and it does not obligate you to hire our law firm or file a claim.
