The trucking industry is vital to our economy as they transport goods nationwide. While these vehicles are necessary to move goods, they are often responsible for tragic accidents that result in life-altering injuries and even death. Truck accidents are hazardous due to the large size and weight of big rigs. Due to the threat trucks pose to other vehicles on the road, the trucking industry is governed by federal regulations that require trucking companies and truck drivers to meet specific safety standards. When these parties do not comply with governmental regulations, devastating accidents, and injuries may result. If you have been injured in a collision with a big rig, contact a trusted Morris County Truck Accident Attorney who can help you fight to secure the fair compensation you are entitled to for your damages.
What are the most important trucking regulations?
Truck drivers often feel immense pressure as they are under extremely tight deadlines to transport cargo within a specific timeframe. Due to this pressure, drivers push themselves beyond their limits to get shipments where they need to be on time. However, driving for several consecutive hours without resting can diminish truck drivers’ cognition and ability to operate a big rig safely. Unfortunately, driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Due to this increased risk of driver fatigue in the trucking industry, federal regulations dictate that truck drivers can only drive for eleven hours a day with a break of no less than thirty-four hours when driving during a six to eight-day window. Hours of service regulations help prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving.
Trucking companies and truck drivers must thoroughly inspect their vehicles before and after every trip. Trucks comprise various parts, with more moving parts than a standard vehicle. This means more pieces of machinery can become worn out and fail while on the road. Therefore, big rigs must have regular maintenance inspections to ensure no issues are left unremedied. However, despite the importance of routine inspection and maintenance, many trucking companies and drivers neglect to fulfill these requirements as they care more about profit than safety. Federal regulations dictate regular inspections and maintenance to prevent accidents. When these regulations are violated, and an accident occurs due to this negligence, the trucking company and truck driver can be held liable.
How can a violated regulation impact my case?
Local, state, and federal trucking regulations are enforced to keep everyone on the road safe. When these safety standards are not met, and an accident occurs, violations of trucking regulations can be used to prove that a truck driver or their employer’s negligence was the cause of the accident. When federal rules that govern the trucking industry are broken, it demonstrates negligence. Despite their violation being the cause of an accident, proving that a truck driver or trucking company failed to comply with federal regulations can be challenging. Nonetheless, a seasoned attorney can help you investigate the accident’s circumstances to obtain evidence proving their negligence.
If you have been injured in an accident due to a trucking company’s or truck driver’s negligence, contact a determined attorney from Lutz Injury Law today. Allow our firm to represent your interests to maximize your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.