Greed, the insatiable desire for more, has been known to manifest in various ways, and sadly, the trucking industry is not immune to its influence.
In a bid to acquire more or save more, certain individuals or parties in the trucking industry make dangerous choices that pose significant safety risks to everyone on the road. If you’ve been a victim of an accident triggered by greed, you can discuss your case with a truck accident lawyer.
You are entitled to a sum of money to make up for the pain and suffering you have endured and will continue to endure due to the accident. Let a competent lawyer take up the case on your behalf and ensure that you get every penny that is due to you.
How Greed Causes Truck Accidents
Here are the different parties whose greed has contributed to the rise of truck accidents on our roads today:
Greedy Trucking Companies
Companies might pressure drivers to work longer than allowed. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rules called “Hours of Service” (HOS) that limit how many hours a driver can be on the road. But some companies don’t follow these rules.
They pressure their drivers to work longer hours, thereby ignoring their need for rest and sleep. When a driver is tired, their reflexes are slower, and they are more likely to crash. The FMCSA estimates that drowsy driving is a factor in 35% of all truck crashes.
Aside from this, trucking companies are in the habit of overloading these trucks with excessive cargo. If you put too much weight on a piggy bank, it is likely to tip over. The same thing happens with overloaded trucks.
An overloaded truck takes 20-40% longer to stop compared to a normal one. That means if you’re driving in front of one and they need to slam on the brakes, it could be a disaster.
Greedy Drivers
Not all drivers are greedy, but for some, the pressure to make more money can be tempting. Some drivers, especially owner-operators who get paid per delivery, might speed, take dangerous shortcuts, or ignore bad weather to squeeze in more trips. They might also be ignoring the HOS intentionally just so they can make more money.
Sometimes, they might simply be trying to meet the tight deadlines set by either the trucking companies or even the owners of the goods they are delivering. Working under such conditions puts them and every other road user at risk.
Greedy Manufacturers
The trucks that take our goods across the country are supposed to be built like solid fortresses that are almost indestructible. They should be able to withstand the demands of long journeys and heavy loads.
However, some manufacturers, in their pursuit of profit, might be stingy with materials during construction. They might use cheaper, weaker steel or even completely skip crucial safety features like anti-lock braking systems (ABS) or electronic stability control (ESC).
Back in 2020, nearly 10% of all truck-related crashes involved some kind of vehicle defect. You cannot let these manufacturers go on with this negligence. Filing a case against them can put a stop to it and ensure the safety of any other person who would have gotten hurt.
Conclusion
Greed is more than just a feeling. It’s a phenomenon that can have real consequences on real people on the road. If you are one of the real people who has felt its effect, a good lawyer is what you need.
Every greedy party that contributed to your accident must be held accountable and brought to book. It would be impossible to fight them on your own without solid legal representation. Get yourself a lawyer to level the playing field.
