If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a truck accident, chances are the damage is severe. Sometimes, commercial vehicles get into accidents because a party involved in their safe operation violates the federal trucking regulations put in place to keep all traveling on the roads with these vehicles safe. A Louisville truck accident lawyer from Grossman Green PLLC can work to expose violations and get you compensated for your losses.
What are federal truck regulations?
Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles, and sometimes carry hazardous materials. As a result, they are capable of causing major injuries and property damage when involved in collisions.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recognizes the dangers that trucks present and has established extensive rules governing truck use. Federal regulations apply to truck operations in every state.
What aspects of truck operation do federal regulations address?
One fact about semi-truck accidents is that operators must have specialized skills to drive the vehicles safely. Regulations require all truck operators to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to develop the skills needed to manage the vehicles’ complex steering, braking, and other systems.
No driver should operate a vehicle while intoxicated or fatigued, and among many other rules, the FMCSA imposes strict substance use and hours of service (HOS) regulations on commercial drivers. Truck companies also bear responsibility for monitoring drivers’ compliance.
The comprehensive regulations address all elements of the trucking industry, not just the truck driver. Truck companies, truck inspections and maintenance teams, cargo loaders, and any other involved parties are all included. Acts of non-compliance can serve as strong evidence of negligence in truck accident claims.
How can federal regulations affect my case outcome?
Experienced personal injury attorneys will investigate a truck accident thoroughly to establish liability. We know what evidence is needed for a personal injury claim, and violations of federal laws are convincing pieces of evidence.
The violation could be the cause of the accident. For example, HOS federal regulations can impact your truck accident lawsuit by presenting grounds for it. Perhaps the driver crashed into you after staying on duty longer than permitted and falling asleep behind the wheel. The trucker’s electronic logging device (ELD) may provide evidence of the extended hours showing the driver and the truck company’s negligence.
Many types of non-compliance could contribute to an accident. Cargo loaders may use inferior securements or improper loading methods. Materials to come loose during travel and create road obstacles or smash into other vehicles, or the truck to become unbalanced and uncontrollable. Mechanics may complete shoddy repair work, or inspectors may fail to take unsafe trucks off the road.
Do federal regulations affect the value of my case?
Along with other factors, federal regulations can impact how much your case is worth. Violations are evidence of negligence, and your attorney will analyze your case details and FMCSA rules to find violations.
The extent of your injuries, property damage, income loss, medical costs, pain, suffering, and lost enjoyment of life also factor prominently in determining your case’s worth. An attentive, skilled attorney will value your losses accurately and demand fair compensation accounting for them all.
You can count on us
Truck accident cases are often serious, causing massive damage. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a crash with a truck, an experienced, compassionate truck accident lawyer from Grossman Green PLLC is here to help you get fully and fairly compensated for your losses. Call (502) 657-7100 or reach out online to schedule your free case consultation.