What is a “duty of care” when it comes to truck accidents?

A “duty of care” refers to the responsibility that a person or business has to take reasonable steps to protect others from harm. In Washington, all drivers, including truck drivers, must exercise reasonable care when operating their vehicles. This means that a truck driver must be paying attention and drive safely. They must obey all laws, traffic signs, and signals. Additionally, they must be aware of the effect their actions may have on other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Failure to do so can result in civil liability for the truck driver, or the business they are employed by. The duty of care also applies to other aspects of operating a truck. For instance, truck drivers and the companies they are employed by must ensure that their vehicles are in good working order, and that all lading is secured properly. If a truck driver is fatigued and unable to operate a vehicle safely, they must take a break or find someone else to take over the truck. The duty of care also requires an understanding of the Washington laws that specifically apply to truck drivers. These laws can change depending on the municipality, so truck drivers must stay up to date on the rules and regulations that pertain to their route. If a truck driver causes an accident due to a lack of reasonable care, the person or people injured may have grounds for legal action. The injured party can file a lawsuit against the truck driver or their employer to seek monetary damages for lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.

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What is a “duty of care” when it comes to truck accidents?

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