Trucking Accidents Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with a truck you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. This could include medical costs, lost wages and damage to property.
In order to file a claim for compensation you must prove that someone else was responsible for your accident due to negligence. You must also prove that you suffered economic and non-economic losses.
The law requires trucking companies to keep detailed records
Trucking companies need to keep detailed records on a variety issues. trucking accident attorney houston includes vehicle maintenance safety reports, driver logs and inspections. Failure to keep these records in compliance with federal regulations could cost a business hugely.
It's a good idea to start with a thorough record-keeping system. It will save you a lot of time later. The IRS states that keeping accurate records can enhance productivity and reduce risk.
The information gathered by a motor carrier can be crucial to determining the cause of a trucking crash. For instance, records could reveal if a driver did not follow federal guidelines on hours of service or if they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash and if they were regularly violating company rules and procedures.
A trucking company is required to keep meticulous records and conduct background checks on its drivers. These investigations include the background of the driver, the state in which they were licensed, their safety performance and employment history.
Utilizing this information can aid the trucking company in avoiding hiring inexperienced, possibly dangerous drivers. This information will also aid the company in avoiding being held responsible for any accident it caused.
A well-organized and maintained record-keeping system allows motor vehicle companies to easily access information when it's time to file their annual compliance report. This is especially useful for small-sized business owners that operate from their homes and aren't always able travel to their office.
If you're involved in a commercial trucking crash you should seek the advice of an attorney with experience in handling complex and high-risk cases. A lawyer who is proficient in defending your rights can ensure that you receive an honest and fair settlement. Contact our team today to discuss your case.
Trucking companies may be held liable for defective equipment
You could be held accountable for any damages you suffer if involved in an accident involving trucks caused by defective equipment. This is referred to as strict liability. It is important to note that this type of liability can only be established by proving that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent or in any way did not meet an acceptable standard of care.
For example, if a trucking company does not perform regular maintenance on its vehicles, it could be liable for any accidents that result from this failure. This involves checking the tires, brakes and other components to ensure they are in good functioning order.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific rules concerning the inspection and maintenance of trucks. These standards are designed to ensure that large trucks are safe on the road and to prevent many problems from arising.
In some instances manufacturers could be held accountable for a mishap caused by defective equipment. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that the components they supply to trucking companies are functional and are safe.
If an industry manufacturer recalls a product or a system that is dangerous the company is required to notify their customers as soon as they are able to. After the information has been shared, any other professional in the supply chain that is serving the same truck owners may be required to stop using the defective item or system.
This is particularly true if the manufacturer is aware a defect and is determined to correct it. For example, if the manufacturer is aware that there's the risk of explosion when the product is used in a specific application, the company could be held responsible if it fails to fix the defect or issue an appropriate warning to its customers.
Another instance of defective equipment could be when cargo loads aren't properly secured. This can cause them to slide off the truck, causing a trucking accident.
Trucking Companies Can Be Liable for the faulty maintenance they have performed.
If a trucking company does not maintain their fleet of trucks, they can put the safety of its drivers and the people who are on the road in danger. Therefore, it's essential that trucking companies prioritize regular maintenance of their fleets.
The law requires that trucking firms inspect their fleets for any issues before they put them on the road. If they fail to do this, it could cause serious accidents, injuries and deaths.
Furthermore, the trucking company is also responsible for hiring and training its drivers so that they can safely operate big trucks on the roads. They must conduct background checks on the driver to confirm that they are not guilty of any crimes or committed any driving violations in the past. Once the trucker has been hired, the company has to offer the right training.
The trucking company has to keep track of the number of hours that its drivers travel daily and weekly. They must also ensure that their drivers don't drive beyond the maximum hours permitted under federal regulations.
Inadequate records of hours of service for drivers could cause serious accidents in the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has recently issued a regulation that requires all trucking companies to implement electronic logbooks in order to enforce these hours of service rules.
When a company's employees are not in compliance with these regulations, they could be held responsible for trucking accidents caused by driver fatigue. The FMCSA regulates the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive during each weekday and demands that they take breaks between trips to the road.
Similarly, trucking companies can be held accountable for poor loading procedures, too. For instance when a shipping company is not able to properly instruct its employees on how to load cargo safely, they could be responsible for any injuries that occur because of shifting cargo during transportation.
An Indiana trucking accident attorney can help you determine whether you were in an accident involving commercial vehicles or another vehicle and seek compensation for your loss. It's crucial to talk with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure that you can learn more about your rights and options.
Trucking companies could be held responsible for driver misconduct
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers have the required qualifications and are secure. They are also required to train their drivers if necessary. Inability to do this could lead to serious accidents and injuries.
Trucking firms are also required to maintain their vehicles and keep their vehicles in good condition. This includes performing routine maintenance and repairing and replacing damaged parts. If a business fails to maintain its trucks properly and an accident happens then it may be held accountable for the damages.
The demands of work can cause drivers to be stressed and they might not have enough time or sleep to look after themselves. This stress can trigger several behaviors that increase the chance of a crash.
For example If a trucking business requires its drivers to work for longer hours than they are safe to do or schedules their work for unsuitable times, they could be held responsible for any accidents that occur. If a trucking firm is negligent in hiring drivers who have an addiction history or fails to conduct background checks, it could be held responsible for any accidents that occur.
Failure to conduct the proper inspections or maintenance on a truck's brakes, steering wheel, or tires can also put a company at blame for any accidents that occur as a consequence. A company could be held accountable for any injuries or deaths caused by an accident that was caused by a truck that was not properly inspected or maintained.
If employees of a company fail to take the required safety precautions to prevent accidents - for example, not wearing seat belts, or not observing their speed - they could be held responsible for any injuries. If a driver does not follow these rules and causes an accident, the trucking company could be held liable for any injuries or deaths.
If you've suffered injuries in a collision involving one of the largest commercial vehicles is crucial to speak with an experienced trucking accidents attorney right away. This will enable you to gather the evidence you need to demonstrate your case and ensure that the trucking company is held accountable for your damages.