Trucking Accidents Lawyers Near Me
It is crucial to seek legal advice if you or someone close to you has been injured in a car crash. The trucking industry is complex, and a competent attorney will have the experience to ensure that your rights are secured.
A professional investigation will help you identify any parties that could be accountable for your claim. These may include the truck driver, 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 reduce the risk of injuries and deaths caused by collisions involving trucks and other vehicles. They also safeguard drivers, passengers and pedestrians on public roads.
All commercial trucks and their drivers must comply with the FMCSA's a myriad of regulations, such as hours-of-service, drug and alcohol tests inspections, qualification, and more. You must be a trucker and understand the rules. If you've been involved in an accident as a result of a violation of these rules and you're a victim, you may be entitled to compensation.
Hours of service laws determine the length of time drivers are allowed to drive at a time, and the length of breaks they have to take between shifts. These rules are designed to keep truckers fit and healthy, as well as prevent fatigue-related accidents.
The FMCSA also requires truck drivers check repair and maintain their vehicles in a systematic manner. This includes daily post-trip inspections of basic equipment (tires and brakes, lights and trailer connections) as well as in-depth periodic inspections over the past 12 months.
Defective brakes and tires, and also inadequate lighting are among the top causes of trucking accidents that result in major injuries. In these situations, drivers must slow down or stop in order to avoid damaging the vehicle and triggering an accident.
The FMCSA also requires that trucking companies monitor their drivers' performance systematically and keep logbooks of their performance. This allows trucking companies to determine whether their drivers are safe at work and effective.
Electronic recording devices (ELDs) are a separate regulation that affects trucking companies. These loggers, placed in every vehicle and synced with the engines, will automatically record the driving time. The loggers stop drivers from faking their driving times.
Drivers who fail to adhere to these rules could be punished with fines and sanctions. A professional will review the logbooks and records of your company to ensure that you're in compliance with the laws and not facing any violations.
Jackknife Accidents
It is imperative that you or a person close to you get in touch with an attorney immediately if you've been injured in a jackknife crash. These cases can be more complex than car accidents and it is often difficult to determine who was responsible.
Truckers are taught to avoid these types accidents by following the rules and taking precautions to ensure the safety of their vehicle. They are expected to be careful when driving around curves or braking abruptly. They should also be aware that weather conditions can make it more difficult for trailers to lose control.
But even the most experienced drivers can be in the midst of these kinds of accidents from time to time. A trucker who is accelerating or braking too quickly could lose control of their vehicle, causing the trailer to become jackknifed.
Depending on the severity of the incident, these accidents can result in serious injury or even death. Often, they cause neck and head injuries, or damage to the spinal cord. Injuries to the body could include fractured bones, cuts, lacerations. Some even require amputations.
The effects of a car accident is often devastating, especially when someone close to you has been killed. In this scenario family members might be able to obtain compensation for their losses by filing a wrongful-death claim against the driver and/or the trucking company.
While many of these cases will require a lengthy amount of time to settle, our attorneys 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 without first consulting you.
Your lawyer must show that a trucker was negligent and did not exercise reasonable care in handling their vehicle. This includes making sure that the trailer is properly secured and that the brakes are working properly.
YouTube at Grimes & Fertitta understands how complicated these cases can be, and we will work hard to protect your rights. We will investigate every aspect of the incident and determine what caused it to create a solid case. We will pursue a lawsuit to hold the trucking company responsible for your injuries, and to secure you the financial compensation you deserve.
Driver Errors
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that driver error is the main reason for traffic accidents. These crashes cause a multitude of injuries and deaths each year. The NHTSA estimates that 94 percent of car accidents are caused by a driver error.
A driver's error can lead to an accident in a variety of ways, such as speeding or not paying attention and ignoring warning signs. Other factors can also contribute to an accident such as defective auto parts bad weather conditions, distracted driving.
Drowsy Driving is among the leading causes of trucking accidents. This is due to the fact that truckers are expected to stay for long hours on the road, often in the night, and be easily drowsy.
Failure to Maintain The Vehicle Commercial truck drivers have to ensure that their vehicles are in good working order and maintained in a timely manner. This involves inspecting the vehicle for any issues and then fixing or replacing any issue that isn't working correctly.
Incorrectly loaded cargo - when cargo is improperly packed, it can be dangerous to drive, or shift, and could cause an accident. This kind of negligence could be held accountable by the owner or manager of a truck.
Tire and Braking Issues If the brakes or tires of the truck aren't functioning properly, it could be difficult to control the vehicle. This can be especially dangerous for drivers who have to brake in certain situations, such as when changing lanes.
Road Defects: Roads that are in poor condition can pose danger to drivers. Potholes, ruts and overhanging branches can all pose dangers for drivers.
Unprofessional hiring A trucking company could be liable for hiring drivers who have no experience driving commercial vehicles, or who are not suited for the job. They could also be held responsible for not properly informing drivers.
If you've been injured in the course of a trucking accident, it's important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier you get in touch the greater chance you stand of winning your case and receiving the compensation that you deserve.
Trucking Company Negligence
Trucking companies are legally responsible to ensure the security of their employees and everyone else on the road. This includes enforcing hour-of- service regulations, performing routine inspections and repairs, and ensuring that drivers are adequately certified.
One of the major reasons for serious truck accidents is malfunctioning equipment. This could range from broken brakes to malfunctioning signals or taillights to warning devices that don't function properly.
A skilled trucking accident lawyer near you can help you show that the company was aware about this issue and didn't take the proper steps to deal with it. They can also show that if the company did not repair or service the equipment, it is responsible for the damages caused by your crash.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as lost income if you were injured in an accident. This can make an enormous impact on your financial situation following the accident.
Many people who require a lawyer for truck accidents near me were seriously injured in an accident because the company was not maintaining its vehicles. If the trucking company did not comply with federal rules and regulations, it could be responsible for your injuries.
The company's negligence could even be shared with other parties, like the manufacturer of a faulty part or another mechanic that did not service the vehicle in a timely fashion. It is crucial to contact a trucking accident lawyer near me to help you determine if there were other causes that led to your crash.
Negligent entrustment is the most common claim against trucking companies in these cases. A plaintiff must establish that the trucking company has hired or retained a driver who was unqualified, unqualified, inadequate dangerous, or in any way not fit to drive or operate commercially-owned trucks. These types of claims usually require evidence of a driver's prior employment history, accidents and safety violations such as alcohol and drugs use, and a history of improper screening, hiring, or supervision.
A trucking accident lawyer near you will investigate your case as well as gather evidence to file your claim, negotiate and litigate for you. They will also assist you to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your damages.