in Trucking Saftey
Truck crashes can be a result of more than simply driver error. Commercial truck drivers have a duty to drive safely on the roads and highways they share with other drivers. In addition, these truck drivers must also follow all state and federal regulations, including those governing proper maintenance, load security and mandated rest periods.
Examples of factors that cause or contribute to truck wrecks are:
- Driver fatigue
- Drunk driving or under the influence of drugs
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Driving on a suspended CDL (commercial drivers license)
- Overweight, imbalanced or unsecured loads
- Equipment failure
- Adverse weather or road conditions
- Poor training
- Forged log books
When you are injured by a truck, as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or
bicyclist, it is important to remember two things. First, time is very important. In
many cases, commercial truck companies have a representative investigating the
scene of your accident while you're still being admitted to the hospital. Second, you
need to hire an experienced attorney who will give your case the personal attention it
needs.
Failure to act quickly could limit your ability to investigate further. The Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations place strict safety requirements on truck drivers
and commercial motor carriers (trucking companies). Unfortunately, the same rules
that require compliance have limited time requirements for record keeping. For
instance, driver log books only have to be retained for six months. Hiring records,
vehicle maintenance and repair records, and driver medical history are also subject to
short retention time periods.
When you hire an attorney to represent you, action can be taken to make sure that
evidence is not altered and that you have a fair opportunity to negotiate a fair
settlement, or receive an appropriate verdict. Several of our attorneys have extensive
experience in handling trucking accident cases.
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