Tupelo Override Accidents

Commercial truck companies and truck drivers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Anyone injured by a truck driver in the Tupelo area would benefit from attorneys who are knowledgeable in these regulations and the particulars of big rig truck accident litigation. Override accidents may be caused by the truck driver failing to maintain a safe lookout. Depending on the facts, the trucking company itself can be held liable for the actions of its driver. Under the legal theory of respondeat superior, a principal is responsible for the actions of its agent performed in accordance with the agent/principal relationship. Respondeat superior is Latin for “let the master answer.”

A trucking company could be found to be in violation of several regulations that contributed to the override accident. For example, commercial trucking companies are required to conduct thorough background checks before hiring drivers to ensure they are competent for the road. If it is found that the at-fault truck driver has a history of unsafe driving or driving under the influence (DUI) charges, the company may be responsible for allowing him to operate the vehicle in the first place. Additionally, trucking companies are required to offer proper training and monitor the hours of all of their drivers. Theories of liability against a trucking company may include negligent hiring, negligent training, or negligent supervision. A truck accident attorney in Tupelo can investigate all potential avenues of recovery on your behalf.

Many times, an override accident results from the lack of experience and improper driving of the truck driver. Drivers failing to yield, speeding, changing lanes improperly, and miscalculating stopping distances often result in drivers losing control of their 18-wheelers and running right into and over unsuspecting cars. Moreover, lack of sleep and driving while impaired are major factors that increase the odds of a truck driver causing an accident.