Do Truck Drivers Get Fired For Trucking Accidents?

More Trucking accidents are often very complex, with many factors involved. If the commercial truck driver was responsible for causing your wreck, they may be fired – but this is not always the case. Read on to learn more about trucking accidents and the potential consequences for the drivers who cause them. 6 Reasons a […]

Published: July 11, 2022

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Trucking accidents are often very complex, with many factors involved.

If the commercial truck driver was responsible for causing your wreck, they may be fired – but this is not always the case. Read on to learn more about trucking accidents and the potential consequences for the drivers who cause them.

6 Reasons a Truck Driver Can Be Fired After a Trucking Accident

Here are some common circumstances that may result in a trucker’s job termination:

Driving Under the Influence

Most trucking companies have a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use on the job. Impaired driving not only puts the employee and other motorists at risk but the company’s reputation as well. That’s why, in most cases, driving under the influence results in termination – even if it does not cause a trucking accident.

Failure to Comply With Trucking Company Protocols

Many trucking companies have specific safety protocols in place, depending on what they are transporting. Protocols may apply to securing cargo, truck maintenance, and more. If a compliance violation occurs and a trucking accident results, the trucker may be fired.

Failure to Follow Trucking Regulations

There are also federal trucking regulations in place to promote roadway safety and proper cargo transport. If a failure to follow these rules causes an accident, the trucker will likely be fired. For serious violations, it may also be difficult for them to get another job in the industry.

Preventable Trucking Accidents

When a trucker’s actions cause an accident that could have been prevented, the companies that employ them tend to be less lenient. If being more careful could have prevented a wreck – and the injuries that often result – most trucking companies will take some sort of disciplinary action. This may include firing, suspending, or penalizing the driver, especially if they have a history of reckless driving.

Road Rage or Violence

Most trucking companies have a very low tolerance for aggressive behavior, so road rage or any kind of violence after an accident is often grounds for firing.

Speeding

Driving over the speed limit is the most common cause of commercial truck accidents, according to recent data from federal regulators. Because speeding is completely preventable, trucking companies may fire an employee if it causes a wreck. They are even more likely to terminate employment if the driver has several citations on their record, loses their commercial driver’s license (CDL) after a wreck, or was caught speeding in a school or construction zone.

Common Types of Trucking Accidents

Research shows that these are the most common types of collisions:

Head-on truck accidents
Rear-end truck accidents
Multi-vehicle truck accidents
Rollover truck accidents
Tire blowouts
Underride truck accidents (when a vehicle rolls underneath a semi-truck)
Jackknife truck accidents (when the cab and tractor-trailer form a 90-degree angle)
Side-impact truck accidents (most common at stoplights and intersections)
Cargo accidents (when cargo falls out)

Common Trucking Accident Injuries

Given the size and weight of semi-trucks, the accidents that involve them often result in serious injuries. Here are the most common:

Whiplash
Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries
Internal bleeding
Injuries to the head, neck, chest, shoulder, rib, and knee
Emotional/psychological distress

How to File for a Personal Injury Claim Against A Commercial Truck Driver

If you have been injured in a trucking accident, it is important to have experienced legal representation. Here at the Mike Hostilo Law Firm, our trucking accident lawyers have extensive experience handling cases like yours – and the record of results to prove it.

Call now to schedule your free consultation!

Trust the attorneys at The Mike Hostilo Law Firm to handle all communication with the insurance company, fighting tirelessly for a fair settlement. Our trucking accident lawyers will gather the evidence needed to strengthen your accident claim and maximize the compensation you receive. If necessary, we are prepared to file a trucking accident lawsuit and take your case to court.