Semi-Trucks: The 80,000 Pound Threat on the Road
Getting into an accident with a truck can lead to severe injuries or death. When trucks are fully loaded, they can weigh 80,000 pounds and are no match for passenger vehicles. In 2015, 34,230 crashes involving tractor-trailers in Texas were reported. Of those, 601 people died and 1,522 people were left with severe injuries. Many more were left with non-incapacitating injuries.
Getting into an accident with a truck can also lead to a complex lawsuit because there could be several parties potentially liable for your injuries. In addition, the lawsuits tend to be complex because there are laws that specifically apply to trucks.
Federal Regulations
Because of the dangers trucks pose, there are many laws in place meant to keep drivers of cars safe. Depending on the truck that hits you, state or federal regulations may apply. If the truck is only driven in-state, typically state law applies. Federal law applies to trucks who drive across more than one state.
The state and federal regulations are similar, and provide for:
- Limits on the number of hours a truck operator can drive;
- The number of breaks a drive must take;
- Maintenance schedules for the truck;
- Alcohol, drug and distracted driving limitations; and
- The amount of cargo weight that can be transported.
If it is determined that the truck that caused your accident was not following state or federal regulations, it could help your case.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- Driver inattention;
- Poorly maintained fleet;
- Poorly repaired truck;
- Product defect; and
- Speeding.
Who Is Responsible?
If you have gotten into a truck accident that is not your fault, there could be a few possible parties who are responsible for your injuries. For example, if the fleet is not properly maintained or routes are not scheduled properly, a trucking company could be at fault.
If the brakes on a truck give out causing a collision, the brake manufacturer could be responsible. Also, the company who overloaded or misloaded the cargo could be the proper party to sue.
Contact a New Braunfels Trucking Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident with a large truck and you are not at fault, you are advised to contact an attorney. Each truck accident is different, and there could be several possible parties responsible for your injuries. A skilled 18-wheeler accident attorney will have a thorough knowledge of the trucking regulations so that you can be confident you are receiving the money compensation you are entitled to under the law. Contact the results-driven New Braunfels truck accident attorneys at The Bettersworth Law Firm for a free initial consultation.
Source:
http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2015/29.pdf
