Trucking Accidents Attorney
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash, you may be entitled compensation. This can include medical bills or lost wages, as well as property damage.
To claim compensation, you must show that someone else was responsible for the accident due to negligence. You must also prove that you sustained economic and non-economic losses.
The law requires Trucking Companies to Maintain Detailed Documents
Trucking companies are required to maintain detailed records on a wide range of subjects, from vehicle maintenance and safety reports to driver logs and inspections. In the event of not keeping these records in accordance with federal regulations could cost a company hugely.
It's a good idea to begin with a meticulous record-keeping system. You will save a lot of work in the future. The IRS states that keeping accurate records can boost productivity and reduce risk.
The records kept by a motor carrier could be crucial in determining cause of a trucking crash. The records can reveal whether the truck driver has violated company policies or procedures or if they failed to comply with federal guidelines regarding hours of service.
A trucking company is required to keep detailed records and also conduct background checks on its drivers. These investigations cover their past in the state where they were licensed as well as safety performance, and employment history.
This information can help the trucking firm avoid hiring inexperienced or dangerous drivers. It also can help the trucking company avoid being held accountable for an accident that it caused.
A well-organized and well-maintained record-keeping program will also allow the motor carrier to easily access the information they require when it's time to submit their annual compliance report. This is particularly beneficial for small companies that operate from home and aren't in a place to go to the office to make a file.
If you are involved in a trucking accident involving commercial trucks it is recommended to seek counsel from an attorney who is experienced in handling complex and high-stakes cases. A lawyer who is proficient in fighting for your rights can ensure that you get an appropriate and fair settlement. Contact our team today to discuss your case.
Trucking companies may be liable for Faulty Equipment
If you are involved in a trucking crash caused by faulty equipment, you can be liable for the damages. This is known as strict liability. It is important to note that this form of liability can only be established by proving that the truck driver or the trucking company was negligent or in any way failed to meet a reasonable standard of care.
If a trucking company fails to conduct routine maintenance on its vehicles, it could be held accountable for any injuries resulting from this negligence. This includes checking the brakes, tires and other parts to ensure that they are in good working order.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes specific rules concerning the inspection and maintenance of trucks. These standards are designed to ensure that large vehicles are safe on the road, and prevent various problems from arising.
In certain situations the manufacturer could be held accountable for a mishap caused by defective equipment. It is the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure that the parts they provide to trucking companies are functional and are safe.
If a manufacturer recalls a part or a system that is dangerous the company is required to notify their customers as soon as they are able to. Once that information has been given to other professionals down the supply chain that is serving the same owners of trucks may be obligated to discontinue use of the defective item or system.
This is especially true when the manufacturer is aware that it has a defect in its product and will take the necessary steps to fix it. For instance, if a manufacturer is aware that there's an increased risk of explosion if a component is used in a specific application, it could be held liable if they fail to correct the defect or issue a warning to its customers.
Unsealed cargo loads could be a sign of defective equipment. This can cause the cargo to shift and fall off the truck, resulting in an accident.
Trucking companies can be held accountable for the failure of maintenance
When a trucking firm does not maintain their fleet of trucks, they may put the safety of its drivers and the people on the road in danger. Companies that operate trucks must focus on the regular maintenance of their fleets.
Before putting their trucks on the road, trucking companies are legally required to inspect them for any problems. Infringing on this requirement could result in serious injuries, accidents and even fatalities.
The trucking company also has to hire and train its drivers in order to ensure they can safely drive large rigs. They must conduct background checks to verify that the driver hasn't had any prior criminal or driving violations and must provide adequate training once the trucker is hired.
The trucking firm must also keep track of the hours its drivers work each day and week. They also have to ensure that their drivers do not exceed the maximum driving hours allowed by federal regulations.
Failure to keep accurate records of hours worked by drivers could cause serious trucking accidents. In fact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently issued a rule that requires that all trucking firms implement electronic logbooks to force drivers to follow these hours of service rules.
When truck accident lawyer do not adhere to these regulations, they could be held liable for trucking accidents caused by fatigued drivers. The FMCSA regulates the maximum amount of time truck drivers can be on the road during the course of a week or a day. They also require them to take breaks prior to returning to driving.
The same goes for trucking firms. They can be held accountable for negligent loading practices, too. For example the case where a shipping firm does not properly educate its employees on how to load cargo in a safe manner and safely, they could be held accountable for any accidents that occur due to shifting cargo during transportation.
If you've been involved in collision with a commercial truck or another vehicle, a seasoned Indiana trucking accident attorney can help you determine who's liable and pursue damages from them for your losses. Get in touch with an attorney as soon after your accident as possible to learn more about your rights and options.
Trucking Companies Could Be Responsible for Faulty Driver Behavior
The trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their employees have the appropriate qualifications and are safe. They are also required to ensure that their drivers are trained when necessary. In the absence of this, it could result in serious accidents and injuries.
Trucking companies are also required to maintain their vehicles and keep their vehicles in good condition. This may include carrying out routine maintenance, repairing and replacing damaged components. If a company's trucks are not maintained in a timely manner and an accident occurs then the company could be responsible for the damages caused by the crash.
Drivers are often stressed by the demands of their jobs. They may be unable to sleep or time to look after themselves. Stress can cause various behaviors that increase the risk of a crash.
For example the case where a trucking company requires its drivers to work for longer hours than they are safe to do, or schedules their driving at unreasonable times, the company could be held accountable for any accidents that happen. If a trucking company does not hire drivers who have histories of drug abuse or fails to conduct background checks, it could be held liable for any accident that occurs.
Failure to conduct proper inspections or maintenance on the brakes, steering wheel, and tires may also make a company blame for any accidents that happen as a result. A company can be held liable for any accidents or deaths that occur as a result of an accident that occurred when the vehicle was not properly inspected or maintained.
If employees of a company fail to take the required safety precautions to avoid an accident, such as failing to wear seat belts or ignoring their speed they could be held responsible for any injuries. The trucking company could be held accountable if a driver does not follow the rules and results in an accident.
If you've been injured in a crash that involved a large commercial vehicle, it's important to reach out to an experienced trucking accidents attorney immediately. This will help you gather the evidence you need to establish your case and ensure that the trucking company is accountable for your injuries.