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For those in the trucking industry, there are several regulations that the company and drivers must abide by to keep themselves and everyone else safe. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of profits, many people in the trucking industry ignore regulations set forth and instead operate as they see fit.
Violations in the trucking industry can be catastrophically dangerous. There are multiple regulations that truck drivers and companies must follow. Failure to do so can cause others on the road to suffer severe injuries in the wake of a significant crash.
Regulation violations often occur in the following ways:
If a truck driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it can result in some of the most life-threatening injuries. Any driver is dangerous when they are under the influence, but a truck driver is operating a larger vehicle at high speeds. The collision can cause head trauma, paralysis, severely broken bones, and other long-term health issues.
Drivers can look for potentially under the influence truck drivers as they may be swerving over multiple lanes or speeding. If you see an intoxicated truck driver, stay back and call the local authorities. Do not try to pass them on the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) lists the regulations regarding Hours of Service. This refers to the amount of time a truck driver is allowed to work before they must take a break. The objective of the Hours of Service regulations is to ensure drivers are awake and aware of their surroundings.
Failure to comply with the Hours of Service often results in a fatigued truck driver. And unfortunately, fatigue can be just as dangerous as intoxication or distractions.
The laws dictate weight limits to ensure that a truck is not overloaded and too heavy for the number of axles it has. The weight restrictions make it so that trucks are not susceptible to rollover accidents or lost trailer incidents. Unfortunately, trucking companies know that the more they can deliver, the better it is for their bottom line and may try to overload a trailer.
Along with maximum weight limits, trucking companies must also ensure that the trailer is evenly loaded. One side should not be heavier than the other because of the potential risk of rollover accidents.
Before a truck travels, it’s crucial for the driver and company to perform regular maintenance on all of its components. For instance, they should check the brakes, engine and steering system, towing hitch, and more. If there’s a potential problem, the issue must be fixed before the truck leaves for its destination.
Failure to maintain is negligence. If a defect or problem causes a crash, the parties responsible for maintenance can be held accountable. If it’s a defect, liability may also fall on the part manufacturer for their role in the crash.
Our goal at Zimmerman & Frachtman, P.A. is to safeguard your rights. Our Florida truck accident attorneys take a look at every aspect of your crash and determine who is liable. If you suffer severe injuries because of a truck driver’s negligence, know that we’ll stand in your corner and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
We have significant experience representing injured victims, and we’ll be there for you when you need us most.
For a free case evaluation to discuss your potential options, call our firm at 954-509-1900 today.
If you or someone you love has been harmed by the negligent or wrongful conduct of another, our South Florida personal injury attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the fair recovery you deserve. In every instance, we work to recover the maximum compensation our clients are owed for their medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Throughout the process, we will remain consistently accessible to you—we even provide clients with our personal contacts so that they can always reach us with questions or concerns.
There is absolutely no cost and no obligation in speaking to a member of our team about your case. We also offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe any upfront costs when you hire our team. Instead, we only collect legal fees if we successfully secure a settlement or verdict for you.
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (954) 289-5070.
