Does the Trucking Company Have a REAL Safety Program? What You Should Know After an Accident
When an 18-wheeler or commercial truck is involved in a serious crash, the focus often falls on the driver. But what about the trucking company behind the wheel?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, one of the most important questions your attorney will ask is: Did the company have a legitimate safety program—or just paperwork to check a box?
At Nelson, Bryan, and Cross, we help Alabama victims uncover the truth behind trucking company negligence and fight for justice when safety is ignored.
Why Safety Programs Matter
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all motor carriers to maintain a comprehensive safety program. This includes:
Proper hiring and background checks
Driver training and certification
Routine vehicle inspections
Hours-of-service tracking
Substance abuse testing
Recordkeeping and reporting compliance
Unfortunately, not all companies take these responsibilities seriously. Some cut corners to save money, pushing drivers too hard or failing to repair worn-out equipment. The result? Tragedy on Alabama roads.
Warning Signs of a Negligent Trucking Company
Following a truck accident, your attorney may investigate whether the company:
Failed to train or vet the driver properly
Did not monitor hours-of-service limits (leading to driver fatigue)
Ignored maintenance schedules
Overloaded the trailer
Allowed repeated safety violations without discipline
Falsified logs or inspection records
These aren’t just internal issues—they’re potential violations of federal law and can directly lead to catastrophic injuries or death.
Is the Safety Program Just for Show?
Many trucking companies claim to have a safety program. But when pressed for documentation or results, they come up short.
Ask these questions:
Does the company conduct regular, documented safety meetings?
Are driver violations tracked and addressed?
Is there a system in place to flag and fix dangerous behavior or equipment?
Do they have updated driver files and DOT compliance records?
If the answer to any of these is “no,” the company may be negligent and legally liable.
How We Use Safety Failures to Strengthen Your Case
At Nelson, Bryan, and Cross, we go beyond the surface. Our legal team investigates:
Driver logs and GPS records
Inspection and maintenance documents
Prior crash history
Hiring and training records
Safety audit reports from the FMCSA or DOT
If we uncover a pattern of neglect, we use it to hold the company accountable—not just the driver. This often increases the value of your case and opens the door for punitive damages in extreme cases.
Real Safety Saves Lives
Trucking companies that prioritize safety:
Invest in well-maintained equipment
Provide thorough driver education
Enforce hours-of-service limits
Embrace technologies like electronic logging devices (ELDs)
Those that don’t put profits over people—and the results are often deadly.
Injured in a Truck Accident? We’ll Get to the Bottom of It.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck crash, don’t assume the driver was the only one at fault. The trucking company’s safety practices—or lack thereof—may be the real issue.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Alabama truck accident attorney. We’ll help you uncover the truth, hold the right parties accountable, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
