Trucking Accidents Attorney
If you or someone close to you was injured in a collision with a truck and you are a victim, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses. This can include medical costs or lost wages, as well as damage to property.
In order to file a claim to be compensated you must prove that someone else's negligence caused your accident. You must also prove that you have suffered economic and non-economic losses.
The law requires trucking companies to keep complete records.
Trucking companies must keep detailed records on a variety subjects. This includes vehicle maintenance, safety reports, driver logs and inspections. Failure to comply with federal regulations could cost a business much.
It's a great idea to begin with a meticulous record-keeping system. You'll save many hours in the future. The IRS notes that keeping accurate records is a vital business practice that can lead to improved productivity and a reduction in risk.
In the event of accidents involving trucks, the documents a motor carrier keeps can play an important role in determining who's at the fault. The records can reveal whether the truck driver has violated company policies or procedures or if they didn't adhere to federal guidelines regarding hours of service.
In addition to keeping detailed records, a trucking company must also conduct background investigations on drivers. These investigations cover a driver's past with the state in which they were licensed, their safety background, and employment background.
This information could be used to help the trucking firm avoid hiring inexperienced and potentially dangerous drivers. This information will also aid the company in avoiding being held responsible for an accident that it caused.
A well-organized and maintained record-keeping system also allows the motor carrier to easily access the information they require when it is time to file their annual compliance report. This is particularly useful for small-sized business owners who work from home, and don't always have the time to go to the office.
If you're involved in a commercial trucking crash it is recommended to seek the advice of an attorney with experience in handling complicated and high-risk cases. A knowledgeable lawyer fighting for your rights will ensure you are awarded fair and reasonable compensation. Contact our team today to discuss your case.
Companies that transport equipment can be held liable for defective equipment
If you're involved in a trucking accident caused by defective equipment, you could be held liable for the damages. This is known as strict liability. It is important to note that this type of liability can only be proved after establishing that the truck driver, or trucking company was negligent or in some way did not meet the reasonable standards of care.
For example when a trucking company does not perform regular maintenance on its vehicles, it can be liable for any accidents that result from this failure. This includes checking the brakes, tires, and other parts to ensure they are in good functioning order.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets specific regulations regarding the inspection and maintenance of trucks. These regulations are intended to keep large trucks on the road in good condition and prevent a range of issues.
In some cases, a manufacturer may be held responsible for a hazard caused by defective equipment. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that parts they supply to trucking companies are functional and are safe.
If a manufacturer does recall any part or system that is found to be dangerous and unsafe, it is required to share that news with its customers as quickly as is feasible. Once that information has been distributed, any other professional down the supply chain that assists the same owners of trucks may be obligated to discontinue use of the defective item or system.
This is particularly true if the manufacturer is aware of a defect and is determined to fix it. If a manufacturer is aware that there is a danger of explosion when a particular component is used, it could be held accountable for failing to fix the problem or to inform its customers.
Another example of equipment that is defective could be when cargo loads are not secured correctly. This can cause the cargo to shift and fall off the truck, causing an accident.
Trucking companies may be held liable for faulty maintenance
If a trucking company isn't taking care of their fleet's vehicles, it can put their drivers and motorists on the road at risk. Trucking companies should prioritize the regular maintenance of their fleets.
Before placing their trucks on the roads trucking companies are required by law to check them for any problems. Failure to do so can cause serious injuries, accidents or even death.
Furthermore, the trucking company is also responsible for properly hiring and training its drivers so that they can safely operate big rigs on the roads. They must do background checks to make sure that the driver hasn't had any prior driving or criminal convictions, and they must provide adequate training once the trucker is hired.
The trucking company has to keep records of the number of hours that its drivers work daily and weekly. They also have to ensure that their drivers don't travel over the maximum number of hours allowed under federal regulations.
Inadequate records of hours of service for drivers could cause serious accidents in the trucking industry. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently issued a regulation requiring that all trucking companies use electronic logbooks in order to force drivers to follow these hours of service rules.
If employees of a company are not in compliance with these regulations, they could be held responsible for trucking accidents that result from fatigued drivers. The FMCSA regulates the maximum hours truck drivers are allowed to spend on the road throughout the course of a week or a day. They also require them to take breaks prior to returning to driving.
Similarly, trucking companies can be held accountable for poor loading procedures, too. If a shipping company fails to train its employees properly on how to properly load cargo and transport it, they could be accountable for any injuries caused by shifting cargo during transportation.
Whether you were involved in an accident with commercial trucks or another vehicle, an experienced Indiana trucking accident attorney can assist you in determining who's responsible and seek damages from them for your losses. It's essential to speak with an attorney as soon as you can following your accident so that you know more about your rights and your options.
Trucking companies can be held responsible for the conduct of drivers
Trucking companies are obliged to ensure that their drivers are qualified and safe. They are also required to train their drivers when needed. Inability to do this could lead to serious accidents or injuries.
Additionally, trucking firms are obliged to maintain their vehicles in a timely manner and make sure they're in good working order. This includes performing regular maintenance, as well as repairing and replacing damaged components. If east orange truck accident attorney fails to maintain its trucks properly and an accident occurs the company may be held accountable for the damages.
The demands of work can make drivers stressed and may not have enough time or sleep to look after themselves. This stress can cause several behaviors that increase the likelihood of a collision.
For example the case where a trucking company requires its drivers to work longer hours than is safe or schedules their driving at unsuitable times, the company can be held responsible for any accidents that occur. If a trucking company chooses to hire a driver who has a history of substance abuse or if they fail to conduct proper background checks and background checks, they may be held responsible for any accidents that happen as a result.
Failure to conduct proper inspections or maintenance on the brakes, steering wheel, and tires may cause a company to be at responsibility for any accidents which occur as a result of. A company could be held accountable for any accidents or deaths that occur as a result of an accident that occurred because the vehicle was not properly examined or maintained.
If employees of a company aren't taking the necessary safety precautions to prevent an accident, such as failing to wear seat belts, or not observing their speed they could be held accountable for any injuries. If a driver breaks these rules and causes an accident, the trucking company could be held responsible for any injuries or deaths.
It is recommended to contact a seasoned trucking accident lawyer immediately if you have been injured in a crash involving the large commercial vehicle. This will allow you to gather the evidence you require to prove your case and ensure that the trucking company is accountable for the damages you sustained.