Truck accidents occur for many reasons, including driver error, trucking company negligence, and mechanical failures. Safety regulations are essential to help prevent accidents and ensure that trucking companies and drivers are held accountable for their actions.
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are injured. You should contact a Connecticut truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
FMSCA Helps Set Many Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) manages the trucking industry. The FMCSA sets standards for how many hours a truck driver can work, what kind of training they need, and what type of equipment their truck must have.
Most trucking companies are required to follow strict traffic safety regulations. These regulations are designed to protect other road drivers and prevent accidents. The company may be held liable if a trucking company violates these regulations and an accident occurs. Some of the traffic safety regulations that may affect a truck accident case include:
- Hours of service regulations- Truckers are generally limited to driving a certain number of hours per day and week. If truckers drive too long, they may become fatigued and fall asleep at the wheel.
- Maintenance regulations: Trucking companies must perform regular vehicle maintenance to ensure they operate safely. If a company fails to perform proper maintenance and an accident occurs, the company may be held liable.
- Loading regulations: Trucking companies must load their vehicles a certain way. If a company loads its vehicles improperly and an accident occurs, the company may be held liable.
- Drug and alcohol regulations: Truck drivers are not allowed to operate their vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If a driver violates this regulation and an accident occurs, the driver may be held liable.
Common Truck Accidents Caused by Negligence
There are many common truck accidents caused by negligence, but some of the most common include the following:
- Drivers are falling asleep at the wheel.
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Drivers texting or talking on the phone.
- Drivers speeding.
- Drivers not paying attention to the road.
- Drivers not following the rules of the road.
- Drivers are not properly maintaining their vehicles.
If you get into a truck accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may be eligible to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer today to discuss your case.
