There is currently a labor shortage in the trucking industry. Fewer young workers are expressing interest in becoming truck drivers and older drivers are retiring. In addition, industry rules may prevent some from pursuing a job in the industry. To become a truck driver, applicants must be at least 21 years old and must be able to pay thousands of dollars for a driving course. This further reduces the pool of potential truck drivers. In addition, new Hours of Service rules that lower total driving time allowed to 70 hours per week, which means that truck companies need to hire more drivers to make the same number of deliveries.
A shortage of drivers isn’t only a problem for truck carriers looking to hire new workers. According to some safety experts, the shortage of drivers may also contribute to trucking collisions in Homestead and other cities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for tractor-trailer and heavy truck drivers will increase 21 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Safety experts say that the pressure of a driver shortage may push some trucking companies to take risks by hiring underqualified drivers. When there are plenty of qualified drivers, companies can choose the best candidates for each position. When there is a shortage and a need for deliveries, there is the risk that companies will hire new drivers with less experience or drivers who are not familiar with the area. Inexperienced drivers, drivers who have not been adequately screened, and undertrained drivers can all make mistakes that can lead to rollovers, broadside swipes, and other traffic collisions.
Have you been injured in a trucking accident? Often it is difficult to tell what exactly has caused the collision. Car crashes in Homestead and other cities can happen in an instant and it can be difficult to tell exactly what chain of events led to the accident. Truck drivers may make mistakes due to lack of training or lack of experience that are not noticeable.
If you have been in a trucking collision, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community. Even if you are not sure whether negligence or recklessness has played a role, it is important to get legal advice. An experienced attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and can work with private investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and other professionals to get answers for you and your family. A thorough investigation can not only help give you answers, but it can help you pursue compensation if you qualify. In addition to helping you get answers, an attorney can take care of the details of the claims process and can help you understand your options.
Do you need to speak to a truck accident attorney in Homestead or your community? Flaxman Law Group is a full service law firm based in Homestead, Hollywood, and Florida. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience and are proud to serve the entire South Florida area. We would be pleased to offer you a free case assessment so that you can review your situation with a member of our legal staff. Simply call us at 1-866-FLAXMAN (1-866-352-9626) or use our website to set up your free appointment.