As you drive on the highway, you may notice large commercial vehicles sharing the road. These trucks are crucial in transporting goods across the country, contributing significantly to our economy. However, despite their contributions, they pose a significant threat. The size and weight of big rigs can cause devastating accidents. As such, truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with strict state and federal regulations to mitigate the risks of collisions. These regulations aim to prevent truck accidents. Unfortunately, some drivers and their employers ignore these regulations, leading to tragic accidents. If you have been injured due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, it is in your best interest to contact a seasoned Monmouth County Truck Accident Lawyer who can help you fight to obtain the compensation you are entitled to. Please continue reading to learn how violations of trucking regulations can impact an accident claim.
What are the most commonly violated trucking regulations?
Per federal regulations, truck drivers can only drive for eleven hours a day, taking a break of no less than thirty-four hours when driving during a six to eight-day window. They are not allowed to be on the road for more than eight consecutive hours without taking a 30-minute break. Unfortunately, hours of service regulations are most commonly violated as truckers push themselves beyond their physical limits to transport their loads to where they need to be by their specific deadline. When truck drivers fail to take breaks, they increase their chances of experiencing fatigue. Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents as it impairs their cognition and critical driving capabilities needed to operate commercial vehicles safely.
In addition, trucking companies are required by law to ensure their drivers have the appropriate qualifications and training to operate big rigs. However, with the shortage of drivers in recent years, many companies will hire inexperienced drivers and neglect to properly train them before putting them behind the wheel. Failing to meet this requirement raises the risk of a collision, as individuals who lack the necessary driver qualifications may not be familiar with the specific techniques required to operate a commercial vehicle safely. Commercial vehicles are more complex than others and require additional training and skills.
How do they impact accident claims?
All commercial motor vehicles are required to adhere to federal regulations. If they fail to do so, they can face steep fines and cause catastrophic accidents. If an accident occurs because a truck driver or trucking company has violated any of the regulations that govern the trucking industry, it can show that they were negligent for the cause of the collision. Demonstrating that they did not comply with governmental trucking regulations can demonstrate that they may be at fault for the crash, maximizing your chances of recovering monetary compensation for your damages.
Proving a truck driver or trucking company violated a regulation is challenging. As such, it is in your immediate interest to contact a lawyer from Falcon Law Firm for help today. Our talented legal team can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and obtain pertinent evidence to help you secure the fair compensation you deserve.
