Trucks are incredibly large, heavy vehicles, and if they’re involved in crashes, they can cause serious injuries and deaths. The destruction that can be caused by vehicles this size is scary, which is why drivers have to be properly trained to be behind the wheel.
Federal and state laws both regulate the trucking industry. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has its own regulations as does the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). On top of that, each state has its own rules for intrastate travel.
If you’re in an accident with a truck, the first thing to ask is if the driver is appropriately licensed. If so, then you will want to know if he or she has taken breaks as necessary and required by law. Known as the hours of service, these regulations make sure drivers get enough sleep and rest to be behind the wheel without fatigue. If drivers violate the hours of service regulations, they put everyone, themselves included, at risk of being involved in a collision.
In a truck accident, there are many other factors to consider. For instance, the truck’s condition and maintenance history could give you a good idea about why an accident took place. Other factors, like the vehicle’s weight or the driver’s history could also be important to your case.
If you’re in a truck accident because the driver falls asleep or is distracted, you have the right to pursue a claim. Your injuries could have been avoided, and you deserve to be compensated for all the pain and suffering you’ve had to go through.
Source: FindLaw, “Truck Accident Law: What You Need to Know,” accessed Sep. 19, 2017