Oregon Improper
Truck Driver Training

We Represent Victims of Accidents Caused By Inadequately Trained Truck Drivers! Call 503-546-3167 for a Free Consultation!

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Truck accidents in Oregon often leave behind catastrophic injuries, financial devastation, and families searching for answers. One overlooked but significant cause of these accidents is improper truck driver training. When trucking companies cut corners or hire inexperienced truck drivers without adequate preparation, the consequences can be deadly.

At Johnston Personal Injury Law Firm, we represent victims of accidents caused by improperly trained drivers and negligent trucking companies. We believe that every commercial truck driver should be properly trained and equipped to handle the enormous responsibility of operating large commercial vehicles. When a company fails in this duty, we hold the responsible parties accountable.

The Dangers of Inadequate Truck Driver Training

Improper truck driver training puts everyone on the road at risk. A commercial truck is not like other vehicles; its weight, stopping distance, and potential hazards require specialized skills. Without sufficient training, inexperienced truck drivers can cause devastating accidents, due to:

• Poor vehicle control: Inexperienced truck drivers often lack the skills needed to safely operate a big rig, leading to swerving, jackknifing, or loss of control.
• Improper braking: Stopping distance for a commercial motor vehicle is vastly different than for passenger cars; inadequate training creates delayed braking and deadly crashes.
• Hazardous materials mishandling: When trucking companies fail to provide proper use training for hazardous materials, even a minor crash can escalate into a serious injury incident.
• Tire blowouts and mechanical issues: Without additional training, drivers may not know how to manage tire blowouts or mechanical failures, increasing accident risks.
• Improper lane changes: Improperly trained drivers often misjudge blind spots, causing collisions with other motorists during lane changes or wide turns.
• Fatigue mismanagement: Entry-level driver training must include how to prevent drowsy driving; when ignored, drowsy drivers remain a hidden threat.
• Lack of recovery skills: When a crash occurs or a vehicle skids, improperly trained drivers may not know the proper recovery time or wheel maneuvers to regain control.

The reality is that inadequate training doesn’t just create inconvenience; it has deadly consequences. A truck accident caused by negligent training can leave victims with lifelong injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.

Federal and Oregon Truck Driver Training Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Oregon law establish strict requirements for commercial truck driver training. To obtain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), applicants must complete entry-level driver training from a certified provider listed in the training provider registry. This ensures drivers understand not only the mechanics of operating commercial vehicles but also the legal limits, safety protocols, and responsibilities that come with the job.

Drivers must also pass a skills test, a road test, and, in some cases, obtain a commercial learner’s permit before being allowed behind the wheel of commercial trucks. Training must include topics such as handling hazardous materials, maintaining driver logs, and responding appropriately when drowsy driving or adverse road conditions occur. Despite these regulations, not all trucking companies comply. Some fail to provide sufficient training, encourage drivers to cut corners, or even hire drivers without verifying their training records. When this happens, innocent motorists pay the price.

Trucking Company Liability for Improper Driver Training

When a company fails to properly train drivers, it may be held liable for the accidents that follow. Trucking companies have a legal duty to ensure that every commercial trucker they put on the road has adequate training and a valid commercial driver’s license. Failing to meet these obligations is a form of negligent training.

Our attorneys know how to expose when trucking companies fail to prioritize safety. By reviewing training records, hiring practices, and company policies, we identify whether a crash was linked to insufficient training. In a truck accident case, showing that a company failed to train drivers properly can mean the difference between partial compensation and full recovery of medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

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How Our Attorneys Prove Improper Driver Training in Truck Accident Cases

Proving improper truck driver training requires experience and a detailed investigation. At Johnston Law Firm, we take a methodical approach to holding responsible parties accountable.

• Examining training records: We review whether the trucker completed the required entry-level driver training and whether the company provided additional training for specialized cargo.
• Verifying licensing: Our team checks whether the driver held a valid commercial driver’s license or was improperly hired with only a commercial learner’s permit.
• Reviewing company hiring practices: We investigate whether a background check was performed before hiring drivers, exposing when a company fails to vet unqualified applicants.
• Analyzing crash circumstances: By working with accident reconstruction experts, we show how improper use of braking, lane changes, or recovery skills caused the accident.
• Evaluating hours of service and logs: We look at driver logs to see if drowsy drivers were encouraged to stay on the road, proving negligent training on fatigue management.
• Interviewing witnesses and experts: Testimony from industry experts often reveals how inadequate driver training directly contributed to a crash and resulting injuries.

This thorough approach allows us to uncover negligent training and build strong cases that demonstrate how improper preparation led to serious injury for victims. With our experience, we ensure negligent trucking companies are held liable.

Compensation Available for Victims of Truck Accidents Caused by Improper Driver Training

Victims of truck accidents caused by inadequate training often suffer life-altering injuries. Legal options are available to pursue compensation for these losses.

• Medical expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
• Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning ability.
• Pain and suffering: Recognition of the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for vehicles and personal property.
• Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on family relationships.
• Wrongful death damages: Financial relief for families who lose a loved one in a crash.

No amount of money can undo the trauma of a serious accident, but compensation helps victims recover and rebuild their lives. Our role is to fight for fair compensation so victims and families can move forward.