Trucking Accidents Lawyers Near Me
When you or someone you love is injured in a truck accident it is essential to seek legal help. The trucking industry can be complex and a skilled lawyer will be able to ensure your rights are secured.
A professional investigation will identify all the parties liable for your claim. This may include the trucker, the trucking company and the owner of the freight.
Regulations for Trucking
The trucking industry, which includes the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is regulated both by federal and state agencies. These regulations are designed to avoid the possibility of fatalities and injuries resulting from collisions between trucks and other vehicles. They also protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians who travel on roads that are public.
The FMCSA has a variety of regulatory requirements that all commercial trucks and drivers must comply with such as hours of service, drug and alcohol testing inspections, as well as qualifications. If you're a trucker you must be aware of these regulations and understand them well. If you've been injured in an accident because of a violation, you may be entitled to compensation.
The laws governing hours of service regulate how long drivers are allowed to drive during a specific period of time and the length of breaks between shifts. These rules are designed to help keep truckers healthy and prevent fatigue-related accidents.
The FMCSA also requires truck drivers to inspect and repair their vehicles regularly. This includes daily post-trip driver inspections of the basic equipment (tires lights, brakes, trailer connections) as well as in-depth periodic inspections within the previous 12 months.
Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by defective brakes and tires as well as lighting. In these instances, drivers must slow down or stop in order to avoid damaging the vehicle and triggering an incident.
Additionally, the FMCSA requires trucking companies evaluate their drivers' performance and keep track of it in logbooks. This allows trucking companies to determine whether their drivers are safe and efficient in their job.
Another regulation that impacts trucking companies is the requirement for electronic logging devices (ELDs). These loggers, installed in all vehicles and synced with the engines, will automatically record the time of driving. They prevent drivers from making false claims about their time on the road.
If a driver does not meet these requirements, he or she may be subject to fines and penalties. A professional will review your company's records and logbooks to ensure that you are in compliance with the laws and not facing any violations.
Jackknife Accidents
It is important that you or someone close to you contact an attorney immediately if you were injured in a jackknife crash. These cases can be more complex than regular car accidents and determining who was responsible can be a struggle.
Truckers are trained to avoid these types of accidents by following the rules and taking precautions to ensure the safety of their vehicle. For example they must be extra careful when driving on curves or braking suddenly. They must be aware of conditions that could make it easier for a trailer out of control.
However, even the best drivers may be involved in these kinds of accidents from time to time. A trucker who speeds or brakes too quickly may lose control of the vehicle and cause it to be jackknifed.
These accidents may cause severe injury or death, depending on the severity of the impact. In most cases, they cause neck and head injuries or spinal cord damage. Injuries to the body can include fractured bones, cuts, lacerations, and even amputations.
The consequences of a truck crash can be traumatic, particularly when the loved ones of the victim have been killed. In this scenario, relatives of the deceased may be able to seek compensation through filing an action for wrongful death against the trucking company and/or driver.
While many of these cases will require a long amount of time to settle the matter, our lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys in The Woodlands will help you keep track of your case. We will keep you updated on the progress of your case, and we will not accept a settlement offer without first consulting you.
Your lawyer must show that a trucker was negligent and didn't take reasonable care when handling their vehicle. This means ensuring that the trailer is secured properly and that the brakes work properly.
The legal team at Grimes & Fertitta understands how complex these cases can be, and we will do our best to defend your rights. We will examine every aspect of the incident to determine what caused it to occur to help us build an effective case. We will fight to hold the trucking company accountable for your injuries and will get you the financial compensation you are due.
Driver Errors
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that driver error is the most common cause of traffic accidents. These crashes cause countless injuries and fatalities each year. According to the NHTSA 94% of car accidents happen by driver error.
There are a variety of ways that driver error could lead to an accident, including speeding, failing to pay attention, or not paying attention to warning signs. There are also other factors which can cause accidents, such as car parts malfunctions, unsafe weather conditions, or distracted driving.
truck accident attorney dallas of the most frequent causes of trucking accidents in the United States is drowsy driving. This is due to the fact that truck drivers are expected to sit for long hours on the road, mainly at night, and become drowsy quickly.
Failure to Maintain the Vehicle - Commercial truck drivers need to ensure that their vehicles are in good working order and are maintained properly. This involves inspecting the vehicle for any issues and fixing or replacing anything that's not working properly.
Unsafely loaded cargo - If cargo has been improperly packed, it can be unsafe to drive or shift, causing an accident. The owner or manager of the truck can be held accountable for this kind of negligence.
Tire and Braking Issues If the tires or brakes of the truck aren't working properly, it may be difficult to control the vehicle. This can pose a risk to drivers, particularly those who need to apply their brakes when changing lanes or in certain conditions.
Road Defects - Roads can be extremely hazardous if they're not in good shape. Potholes and ruts can be dangerous for drivers.
Poor hiring practices A trucking company could be accountable for hiring drivers with no experience working in large commercial vehicles or are not suitable for the job. They could also be accountable for failing to properly train drivers.
If you've been injured in the course of a trucking accident it is crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier you act, the better your chances are of proving you're entitled to compensation and winning your case.
Trucking Company Negligence
The trucking companies are legally responsible for the safety of road users and their employees. This includes enforcing the hours-of service regulations, conducting routine inspections and maintenance, and making sure that drivers are properly competent.
One of the main reasons for serious truck accidents is malfunctioning equipment. Equipment failure can be a result of brakes that are not working properly, signals and taillights that aren't working properly as well as warning devices that don't work.
A lawyer for trucking accidents in your area can assist you to establish that the company was aware of the issue but failed to take appropriate actions to rectify it. They can also prove that the company failed to repair or maintain the equipment, it is responsible for the harm caused by your crash.
You could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and income loss if you were injured in an accident. This can make a big difference in the financial situation following the crash.
Many people in need of a lawyer for a truck crash near me were seriously injured in an accident due to the company was not maintaining its vehicles. If the trucking business didn't comply with federal regulations and rules the company could be accountable for your injuries.
The company's negligence may even be shared by other parties like the manufacturer of the faulty part or an individual mechanic who failed to maintain the vehicle in a timely manner. It is imperative to contact a trucking accident lawyer near me to assist you in determining whether there were other factors that contributed to your crash.
In these cases, trucking companies are often sued for negligent entrustment. A plaintiff must prove that the trucking company has hired or retained a truck driver who was not competent or unsafe, or unfit to operate or drive commercial vehicles. These claims require evidence of the driver's prior employment background, safety violations accidents, accidents, alcohol or drug use, and a history of improper hiring or training or supervision.
A trucking accident lawyer close to you will review your case, gather and present evidence, file your claim, negotiate and litigate on your behalf. They will also help get you the highest amount of compensation for the damages.