Truck drivers have a huge responsibility on their shoulders. Their entire industry – and much of the economy – depends upon the safe delivery of products.

To keep America running smoothly, truckers must undergo rigorous training to become professional drivers. The damage from truck accidents is typically much more devastating than a regular passenger vehicle accident. Proper training will help reduce the risk, but it doesn’t eliminate it.

Sometimes, a truck driver can be fired for an accident. However, this is not always the case. It depends on the circumstances, such as what caused the accident.

Learn more from a Florida truck accident lawyer, and contact us today if you’ve been injured in a truck accident.

Can a truck driver be fired for an accident?

Yes, a truck driver can be fired for an accident.

A truck driver can be fired for an accident by their employer if the accident was caused by negligence.

Negligence, which includes “careless” acts, occurs when a person fails to act as a reasonable person would have acted under the same circumstances. If the truck driver’s actions are considered negligent, then they may be held liable for any damage that results from those actions.

A truck driver’s negligent acts must be the actual and proximate cause of another person’s injury in order to be held legally liable.

If an accident is caused by a third party, such as another motorist, then the truck driver may not be held liable for damages. In cases like this or where extenuating circumstances caused the accident, such as bad weather, truck drivers should not be fired.

Reasons Why Truck Drivers Get Fired for an Accident

Driving Under the Influence

When it comes to truck accidents, there are a few things that can lead to a driver getting fired. One of these is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then they can legally be terminated by their employer. The employer has the right to fire an employee who engages in substance abuse during work hours.

If they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may even lose their license entirely.

Speeding

Driving at excessive speeds can also result in a driver being fired after an accident. In some cases, truck drivers have been known to follow other vehicles too closely and push them to change lanes so that they can get ahead of them.

Unfortunately, this puts them at risk of crashing with another vehicle or hitting a pedestrian.

Failure to Comply with Protocols

Another reason why truck drivers have been known to get fired is refusing to follow protocols. There are federal and state regulations that they must comply with to ensure the people around them are safe.

For example, if a driver has a logbook that shows they do not have enough rest in between shifts, the employer may fire them due to the increased risk associated with driver fatigue.

Similarly, if they don’t review the vehicle for routine safety checks, then they are likely to be terminated.

Aggressive or Reckless Driving

Driving recklessly or aggressively can also result in a truck driver being fired after an accident.

If they are driving erratically, the employer will often give them a warning before taking it a step further and terminating their employment.

A truck driver is required to follow all laws as well as use common sense. If they do not, then they are putting the lives of those around them at risk.

In some cases, those who have been affected by a reckless truck driver can sue for damages. If this happens, the truck driver will likely lose their job as a result.

Damaging Client Property

If the truck driver damages the property of a client, then they may be fired. This can be backing into a loading dock, knocking over product recklessly, or damaging buildings or other vehicles on the client’s premises.

They can be terminated if their employer believes they were acting recklessly and therefore become a liability to the trucking company. This is especially the case for expensive products that are being shipped and when the damage is in conjunction with negligent driving practices.

Some truckers may even owe back the cost of those items depending on the contract they signed when they joined the trucking company.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

When you’re driving a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds, simple things can spell catastrophe for other drivers on the road. For example, if a trucker is driving too fast for the weather conditions (such as snow or rain), then they may not be able to brake in time for a sudden stop.

Remember that it is the responsibility of a commercial driver to know to adjust their speed to maintain full control of the vehicle not only for their own safety, but for other drivers on the road.

If an impatient trucker cuts someone off, they may cause a severe trucking accident. If they are not maintaining the proper speed and distance between vehicles, they can push someone off the road and not even realize it.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have been in a truck accident, contact an attorney.

Victims of truck accidents can suffer tremendously. Do not be wary of filing a claim or talking with a truck accident attorney. Your first consultation is free and our lawyers are ready to make sure your rights are protected in the event of a negligent trucking accident.

If you have been in a truck accident, hire an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. We will work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.