Federal regulations restricting hours of operation, BAC levels, and other behaviors aim to protect our roads from truck accidents.
Summary
- Large trucks pose significant safety risks due to their size, weight, and potential for carrying hazardous materials.
- Truck accident victims often suffer severe injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations.
- The trucking industry is subject to various regulations to ensure driver safety, vehicle maintenance, and responsible cargo handling.
- Truck accident victims should consult with an experienced truck accident attorney to protect their rights and pursue compensation.
The trucking industry is the backbone of the American economy, transporting goods across vast distances with remarkable efficiency. However, the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make them inherently dangerous. Every year, countless individuals suffer life-altering injuries or lose their lives in truck accidents, making sensible regulation of these huge vehicles essential for safety.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a large truck, you deserve fair compensation. The truck accident attorneys at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia are dedicated to seeking justice for victims like you. To get started, call us at (800) 320-HELP or contact us online.
The Unique Dangers of Truck Accidents
The huge size of a semi-truck compared to a regular passenger car means that accidents involving large trucks can cause enormous damage, with passengers of smaller vehicles especially at risk for serious injuries.
- Size and weight disparity: Compared to passenger vehicles, trucks are significantly larger and heavier, leading to more devastating crashes.
- Increased risk of severe injuries: Truck accidents often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities.
- Longer stopping distances: Due to their weight, trucks require much greater stopping distances, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Blind spots: Large trucks have extensive blind spots around the vehicle, making it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles.
- Cargo-related dangers: Shifting or unsecured cargo can become deadly projectiles in a truck accident.
Truck Accident Injuries
Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Spinal cord damage: The impact of a truck accident can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or permanent loss of function in the arms and legs.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Truck accidents can cause a variety of TBIs, ranging from mild concussions to life-threatening injuries.
- Severe lacerations and broken bones: The impact of a collision with a truck can cause deep cuts and bone fractures, requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Internal organ damage: The devastating forces involved in a truck accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs.
- Amputations: The crushing force of a truck can lead to amputations of limbs, requiring extensive surgeries and rehabilitation.
Additionally, victims of truck accidents may suffer serious emotional trauma that may also require treatment.
Trucking Industry Regulations Promote Safety
The trucking industry is heavily regulated, with many different aspects of trucking subject to their own unique safeguards.
Truck Driver Regulations Aim to Eliminate Unqualified Operators and Curb Dangerous Behavior
Truck drivers have a big responsibility, and many regulations are in place to ensure that drivers are well-trained and work under safe conditions. These regulations protect both the truck drivers and the occupants of smaller cars that share the road.
Some of these trucking regulations include:
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License, truckers must undergo rigorous testing. This ensures qualified drivers operate these large vehicles.
- Endorsements for specific cargo types: Truckers who transport hazmat, passengers, or certain other types of cargo require additional training and qualifications.
- Hours of Service (HOS) Rules: Limit driving time to prevent truck driver fatigue, a major cause of accidents.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Zero-tolerance policies and random screenings deter substance abuse and promote safety.
These regulations help to ensure that truck drivers are properly qualified and that they are not driving for excessive hours or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Prevents Truck Accidents
There’s a lot that can go wrong with large trucks, and with the huge impact that a truck accident can have, the stakes are very high. Making sure the trucks, trailers, and other mechanical elements are in good working order is one of the first lines of defense against large truck accidents.
- Regular inspections ensure that trucks are in good working order, minimizing mechanical failures.
- These inspections focus on crucial components like tires, brakes, and overall mechanical health.
- Proper procedures prevent cargo from shifting or falling out during transport, reducing the risk of rollovers and collisions.
Proper truck maintenance is essential to preventing accidents. Regular inspections can identify and address potential problems before they occur.
Trucking Company Responsibility is Monitored by Multiple Regulations
Some trucking companies may be more concerned with their bottom line than with maximizing safety. To prevent this, trucking companies are subject to regulations such as:
- Carrier Safety Ratings: Publicly available ratings reflect a company’s safety record, helping shippers choose reputable carriers.
- Insurance Requirements: Adequate insurance coverage protects victims from financial hardship in case of an accident.
Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure that their trucks are safe and that their drivers are following the rules. Carrier safety ratings can help shippers choose reputable companies, and adequate insurance coverage can protect victims of accidents.
Cargo Regulations Reduce the Likelihood of Lost-Load Truck Accidents
Improper handling of cargo is a major cause of truck accidents, and the danger is multiplied if the cargo is particularly large or hazardous. The cargo carried by large trucks is covered under its own special types of regulation, such as:
- Hazardous Materials Transportation: Special training, handling procedures, and emergency response plans are mandated for hazardous materials to minimize risks.
- Oversized and Overweight Loads: Permits, escorts, and specific route restrictions ensure the safe transport of oversized and overweight loads.
The transportation of hazardous materials and oversized or overweight loads requires special precautions to ensure safety.
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Truck accidents are often devastating impacts that leave victims with painful injuries and piling bills. Our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you recover compensation that addresses the true value of all damages you suffer, including:
- Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs associated with your injuries
- Lost wages: Compensation for wages lost due to your injury and any future earning capacity you may have lost if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by your injuries. This can include chronic pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it was damaged in the truck accident.
The compensation available may vary depending on the specifics of your case, like the type of truck accident and the severity of your injuries. Talk to our team at WHG to learn about the compensation that may be available to you.
Call WHG’s Truck Accident Lawyers to Discuss Your Legal Options
Although trucking regulations do help prevent some number of collisions, truck accidents still happen. Truck accident cases can be complex, and trying to navigate the legal system during your recovery can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get through this difficult time by:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly to gather evidence and establish liability.
- Handling complex insurance claims and fighting for fair compensation.
- Building a strong case to maximize your potential recovery.
- Providing legal representation in court if necessary.
- Offering support and guidance throughout the legal process.
The team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia understands what victims of truck accidents are going through, and we’re here to help. We have the skills and experience to protect your rights in the aftermath of your truck accident. Schedule a free consultation by calling (800) 320-HELP or by contacting us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take after a truck accident?
After a truck accident, your first priority should be safety. Seek medical attention right away, call 911, collect contact information from any witnesses, and take pictures of the scene of the accident. You also want to contact a truck accident attorney right away to explore your legal options.
What if the truck accident is partially my fault?
Even if you were partially to blame for the truck accident, don’t give up. You can still recover compensation due to comparative fault laws. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you advocate for yourself and minimize the fault attributed to you.
How much time do I have to file a claim after my truck accident?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Florida is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to consult with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
