Trucking Accidents: Why Regulation Violations Are Dangerous
- Weight restrictions
- Hours of Service regulations
- Required maintenance
Below, we will also discuss some of the challenges that can arise when someone in the trucking industry violates these regulations and how having a lawyer can work with you to hold negligence accountable.
If you suffer a severe injury in a truck accident, call our firm at(210) 226-8888 today.
Weight Restrictions
Throughout the country, weight restrictions exist to keep large commercial vehicles as safe as possible. While specific highways and roads set their own weight restrictions, the trucking industry as a whole has a maximum weight limit because the heavier a truck is, the more chance it has at rolling over or encountering a slew of other problems.
If an employee overloads a truck, there’s a risk of:
- Rollover accidents due to sharp turns or heavy winds
- Axle overloading, causing wear and tear on components and resulting in a crash
- Jackknifing where the trailer swings around the truck, often when a driver tries to slow down quickly
- Stress on tires, brakes, and semi-hitches could cause a catastrophic collision
Drivers and trucking companies must recognize the weight restrictions set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and specific highways. Failure to do so can lead to significant harm, making the responsible party liable for compensation if an injury occurs.
Hours of Service Regulations
Because fatigue is a consequential problem in any capacity, the trucking industry has regulations regarding how long a truck driver may work. The Hours of Service regulations provide detailed timelines for how long a driver may work after taking time off, how many consecutive hours they may drive, how many breaks they take, and how long they must be.
Some trucking companies encourage drivers to travel for extended periods to meet deadlines. Unfortunately, fatigue can be just as dangerous as drunk driving or distractions on the road. As such, truck drivers must follow these regulations to keep themselves and others safe from harm.
Required Maintenance
In the trucking industry, vehicle maintenance is one of the most essential actions to keep everyone safe. Large commercial trucks travel several miles each day, and the vehicle can experience significant wear and tear. Trucking companies and drivers should make sure their trucks are free of any issues before they travel.
Maintenance should include checking the following components:
- Steering system
- Brakes
- Tires
- Axles
- Semi-hitch
- And more
If any part of the truck can wear down significantly, it’s important to perform maintenance and any repairs as necessary.
Choose the Right Lawyer to Help You Get the Results You Need
If you suffer a severe injury because of negligence, you can pursue compensation for your damages. You can hold someone in the trucking industry accountable for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and mental trauma stemming from the crash.
At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we prioritize your rights and put your best interests first when pursuing maximum compensation. Our San Antonio truck accident attorneys have successfully obtained compensation for our clients for more than 65 years! We’re here to provide you with a voice against negligence when you need us most.
Contact our firm today at (210) 226-8888! Speak with a member of our team and learn about your rights to move forward!
Related:
Pat Maloney, Jr. is a skilled San Antonio personal injury lawyer who has acted as lead counsel and co-counsel in many multi-million dollar verdicts throughout Texas. Pat Maloney represents people injured in car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and more. He is well known for his expertise in representing victims of serious personal injuries and has participated as a lecturer in the field of personal injury litigation. He has been named as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” Reference Book every year for the last five years.