Truck Accidents
Truck drivers and truck company owners operate under strict regulations governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). By law, trucks must be maintained and operated in a manner that provides maximum safety for the driving public. There are many regulations regarding truck safety features including lights, brakes, weight limits and so forth. Inspection stations scattered across the highways require periodic inspections by law enforcement to ensure safety measures are being observed.
Vehicle Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees strict regulations that over-the-road motor carriers must comply with. Any violation of a regulation regarding truck operation, truck driver training, truck maintenance, or overweight or unsecured loads that results in injury or death of another driver or vehicle occupant on the road can mean the company’s insurer or the corporate entity may be held liable for significant monetary damages.
When a fully loaded 18-wheeler tractor-trailer loses control, the laws of physics take over and the tractor-trailer becomes an 80,000 pound projectile; and when it hits another vehicle, catastrophic injury and death are frequently the result.
Driver Regulations
Professional truck drivers are rigorously trained use extreme caution in inclement conditions and to react to situations and act appropriately. Drivers are required to keep a log of the hours they drive and are only permitted to drive so many hours per day.
Despite these regulations, drivers are sometimes inadequately trained or are being pushed by their employers to deliver products faster than possible. The result is drivers who are too fatigued to properly react to situations as they arise. Other problems include substance abuse (particularly stimulants), improper inspection and maintenance, which can lead to tire and brake failure, and falsified driving logs. These failings can result in serious injuries or death to an innocent driver on the road in the path of an oncoming 18 wheeler.
Compensation for Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents almost always are more complex than your typical fender bender between two regular cars because most trucks aren’t owned by individuals, but rather by large entities like corporations and government. Accordingly, trucks are often backed by large insurance policies and/or other assets which translate to higher potential settlements and verdicts in truck accident cases.
Our firm has experience handling complex truck crash cases, including UPS accidents, FedEx accidents, USPS accidents, and more. We may be able to help you get hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars in monetary compensation for your damages.
Get Legal Help Now
Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers have assisted hundreds of victims throughout California. We can provide assistance in these areas:
Call us today at (800) 820-0000 for a free consultation or Contact Us online.
