Truck Accidents
In 2005, accidents involving tractor trailers, big trucks and buses resulted in 5,212 deaths and 91,824 injuries in the United States. Many drivers assume that the laws are the same for truck and car accidents; however, this is not the case. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration has enacted strict trucking guidelines and regulations for truck drivers. The regulations were adopted to prevent driver fatigue, unsafe vehicle operation, driver impairment, and defective equipment. If the regulations are not followed, the driver and/or his employer can be held liable. For example, truck drivers are required to keep trip logs. Although the rules limit the number of hours they are allowed to drive, the rules are not always followed, which can result in driver fatigue leading to delayed reaction time, poor judgment and drivers falling asleep at the wheel!
Most tractor trailers and commercial vehicles are equipped with electronic information and “black boxes,” which are capable of providing insight into the behavior of the vehicle and the vehicle’s operator just before or at the time of the accident. Since it is necessary to make sure that this information is timely preserved, it is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible.
Our firm is experienced in handling truck accidents.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a truck accident, contact us today for your free consultation.