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How ignoring the pre-trip inspection can cause a truck crash

Rule 8 of “Big 10 Rules of the Road”

  • Presented by: Steven M. Gursten
  • Description: This is the ninth of a series of 13 videos for truck accident lawyers, on handling truck crash cases. In this video, Steve Gursten shares Rule 8 of his “Big 10 Rules of the Road” during the American Association for Justice Interstate Truck Litigation Group conference in New Orleans. Rule 8 explains how a truck lawyer can show during a deposition that a trucker performed a negligent pre-trip inspection.
  • Length: 1 minutes, 47 seconds.

Video Transcript

Slide: Driver inspection requirements

A. Every driver must prepare written inspection report at end of each workday

B. At minimum, follow-up points must be inspected (Brakes, steering, lighting devices, tires, horn, wipers, rear-view mirrors, coupling devices, wheels/rims, emergency equipment).

C. Before operating, driver must be satisfied that truck is safe.

Alright, driver inspection requirements. This may be the most violated rule of all of them: 392.9. Driver must inspect both his truck and his cargo (weight) within the first 50 miles, whenever he has a change of duty status, and when he drives over three hours or 150 miles. And this is the key: He must inspect, not only all of the items, listed under (slide) point B, but also listed under cargo. So, you’re going to find when you start going through these driver logs – I promise you – that either it’s not being done at all or clearly, it’s not being done the right way. Because if he has on his driver log that it took him five minutes, or 10 minutes, or even 15 minutes to do a complete inspection of all the items under (slide) point B, than he’s not doing it right. And you ask him this in his deposition. You take him through every single item he inspected and the cargo, and you show him how absolutely ludicrous it is.

How our truck accident lawyers can help you

If you’re a lawyer and you need help with your truck accident lawsuit, read our online guide, Help for attorneys handling truck accident cases. For more information, here’s a blog on why the pre-trip inspection is the most violated safety rule.

If you’ve been in a truck crash, call (800) 968-1001 to speak with one of our truck accident lawyers now. There is no cost or obligation, and we can answer all of your questions.