Truck Accident Lawyers
Trucking accidents occur far too frequently in Florida. Commercial trucks come in all shapes and sizes, from semi-tractor trailers, to box trucks, to straight trucks, to standard size trucks that are towing certain amounts of weight. Commercial trucks weigh significantly more than most cars on the roadways. For this reason, accidents involving commercial trucks are often far more destructive given the exponentially greater forces involved in the accident. Given this heightened danger, there are numerous federal and local laws that govern the trucking industry, including regulations regarding hours of service, vehicle maintenance, load regulations, and more.
Trucking Regulations and how they can Impact your Personal Injury Claim
Trucking accident claims in Florida are often far more complex than car accident claims because of the regulations governing the trucking industry and because of the sheer size of trucks, which can result in serious injuries for passenger vehicle occupants. Trucking companies are required to abide by strict regulations, but when companies cut corners, innocent people can get hurt. Here are some of the regulations governing the trucking industry and how these regulations can impact your trucking accident claim:
- Hazardous conditions – Trucking regulations require drivers to exercise extreme caution when driving in conditions that might adversely affect visibility and traction, such as rain, snow, or fog.
- Hours of service – Trucking regulations limit how long a driver can be behind the wheel in a given day. They are designed to prevent fatigued driving and to ensure that drivers get the rest they need. Drivers are required to keep logs of their hours, but sometimes truck companies might put pressure on drivers to meet unreasonable schedules, resulting in some drivers violating hours of service laws.
- Load limits and inspections – Overloaded trucks are at greater risk of tipping over, and greater risk of accidents because they take longer to come to a complete stop. Laws govern how heavy a truck can be and govern safe loading. When trucks are improperly loaded or overloaded, dangerous accidents can happen. Truck companies and drivers also have a responsibility to properly secure their loads and inspect their vehicles prior to commencing a trip. When loads are not secured, they can end up on the road where they can pose a hazard to other drivers.
- Maintenance requirements – Trucks must undergo regular and routine maintenance. This includes checking brakes and tires. Defective brakes and tires can result in severe accidents and injuries. Sometimes truck companies might try to cut corners, with disastrous results. Regular maintenance should be documented and performed.
- Hiring and training drivers – Truck drivers are required to submit to health exams in order to maintain their licensure. Trucking companies have a responsibility to review driver records before hiring and to take actions against drivers with a poor driving track record. Despite this, sometimes drivers are hired or are kept on the job, despite showing a history of incompetence or poor driving. Other times, drivers might choose to stay behind the wheel while taking medication and this can lead to fatigue or poor driving. Some medical conditions can also endanger others on the road. When drivers fail to seek treatment or don’t report these changes, they can pose a danger to themselves and others.
These are just some of the laws and regulations governing the trucking industry. Trucking companies are also required to keep high limit insurance policies to pay for injuries when accidents occur. If you or someone you love was hurt in a trucking accident in Florida, reach out today to our compassionate truck accident attorneys at Miller Trial Law for a free review of your potential case. We stand ready to fight on your behalf, but do not delay as there is only a limited amount of time to bring a case.
Miller Trial Law proudly represents clients throughout the entire State of Florida and is available for free virtual and in-person consultations at numerous locations.
