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Inadequate Driver Training

Knoxville Lawyer Advocating for Truck Accident Victims Across East Tennessee

It is logical to think that if a truck driver has caused a crash, it may be appropriate to sue the driver for damages. It may be less obvious that, in some cases, trucking companies will also be held accountable for their careless actions. There are numerous regulations that both drivers and trucking companies must follow. Many of these were promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Among other things, trucking companies are supposed to make sure that their drivers are qualified to operate a vehicle. Inadequate driver training may lead to devastating injuries for people in East Tennessee. Experienced Knoxville truck accident attorney Mark Hartsoe understands the challenges that they may be facing and is ready to fight for their rights.

Holding a Trucking Company Liable for Inadequate Driver Training

A trucking company may be held financially accountable for inadequate driver training. This is because it is supposed to conduct background checks and provide adequate training for its drivers to ensure that drivers who are on the road know how to handle the vehicle, no matter the conditions that may arise. Trucking companies owe a duty to the public to hire and retain truck drivers who are competent to handle a heavy commercial vehicle.

Commercial drivers need to be physically free from medical conditions like epilepsy and alcoholism. They should also pass background checks and commercial driving tests. They should be trained in the FMCSA regulations. This includes training in how to avoid an accident, safely evade hazards, and properly carry cargo.

When a driver is inadequately trained, they may not know how to respond to a sudden stop. They may not know how to correct course when a tractor-trailer is jackknifing. Serious injuries or even deaths may result. A trucking company that fails to make sure that its drivers are adequately prepared for contingencies like wide turns, sudden stops, and other circumstances may be held directly liable under theories of negligent hiring, negligent supervision, or negligent retention. In Tennessee, you may recover compensation under these theories if you establish negligence as well as an employer's knowledge of the employee's unfitness for the job. If you can show that a trucking company failed to provide training or to check whether a truck driver was adequately trained, as required by law, it is likely that you will be able to establish the necessary employer knowledge of unfitness. A trucking company has potential liability for its employees under the doctrine of “respondeat superior,” in which the company is responsible for the negligent acts of its employees or agents.

Injuries in trucking cases are usually more severe than in car wreck cases, due to the enormous size and weight of trucks. The damages that you may be able to recover include both economic and noneconomic types of losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and household services. Family members who lose a loved one and bring a wrongful death lawsuit may be able to recover compensation for loss of love and companionship, as well as lost earning capacity and burial expenses.

Call Knoxville Attorney Mark Hartsoe for Your Truck Accident Claim

If you believe that inadequate driver training caused your injuries, you should consult Knoxville truck accident lawyer Mark Hartsoe. Call the Hartsoe Law Firm at 865-804-1011 or contact us via our online form to schedule a free consultation. Hartsoe is ready to assist victims who are seeking a motor vehicle collision attorney throughout East Tennessee, including in Knox, Blount, Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hamilton, and Jefferson Counties.


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I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark Hartsoe. As soon as I called Mark Hartsoe, he let me know real quick that everything was going to be okay and that he would take care of everything. And, he did. He got me a great settlement. He took the worry off of me. Mickey Anderson
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I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance company and the guy who hit me. Settled with the actual person that hit me. Outside of that, everything came out great. Did not have to go to court. Got a great settlement. Got my car replaced. Got a check. Mark Hartsoe is my lawyer. Nate Holder
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I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of everything. My case was settled out of court. I received a great settlement. Bike was totaled, motorcycle was replaced. It was easy, painless. About as painless as something like this can be. This is why my lawyer is Mark Hartsoe. John Lusinger
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I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it really helps to lighten the load. We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done and your ability to handle the situation so well. S. Carter
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Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much. Sam & Judy Kachar
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