If you’ve been in a truck accident in Texas, one of the big determining factors that will impact the outcome of your claim will be whether the truck driver or truck company was negligent for your crash. When truck companies or truck drivers violate federal or local laws, they can be held responsible for your crash, meaning that the driver or company may be responsible for paying your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
Truck drivers and truck companies are required to abide by federal and state regulations. When truck companies or drivers violate these laws, they could be held negligent or responsible for your crash. Because trucks are more regulated than passenger vehicles, there are many more ways a truck driver or truck company could have been at fault for your crash. The Cooper Law Firm are Texas truck accident lawyers who understand the many laws and regulations governing the trucking industry. If you’ve been in a truck accident, our firm can review your case, determine whether a truck company or driver broke federal or local laws, and work to help you get the recovery you may deserve.
Truck Accident Laws Prevent Crashes
Truck accident laws are designed to prevent crashes. From federal hours of service regulations to restrictions that require truck drivers to pass certain medical exams, truck accident laws oversee who can drive commercial trucks, how long they can operate these vehicles, and how these vehicles should be maintained. What are some important truck accident laws?
- Federal Hours of Service Laws. Laws restrict how long drivers can work in a given day and how many hours they can drive before they take a break. Truck drivers are required to log their hours, and to take breaks when they need to rest. The law is designed to prevent fatigued driving. Research has found that fatigued driving can be just as risky as drunk driving. When truck companies pressure drivers to work longer hours, or when truck drivers fail to take the rest breaks they need, they can put others at risk. Under Federal Hours of Service Laws, drivers cannot work beyond the 14th hour after they come on duty, and they are not permitted to drive for longer than 11 hours in a given day. This means that the clock starts the moment a truck driver starts driving or loading the truck, and 14 hours later, he or she must stop. And, in a given day, a truck driver shouldn’t be logging more than 11 hours a day. The Cooper Law Firm are truck accident attorneys in Texas who can review your truck driver’s shipping schedules, logs, and other information to determine whether hours of service laws were broken.
- Medical Requirements. Truck drivers must not have certain medical conditions which can impact their ability to drive. Before a truck driver can get a commercial driver’s license the driver must pass a medical exam. However, it is important that drivers go in for regular medical examinations and that they understand how new diagnosis and new prescriptions can impact their ability to drive. Truck companies have a responsibility to vet drivers for potential problems and see that drivers are regularly checked for new conditions that could pose a hazard. The Cooper Law Firm are truck accident lawyers who can review your driver’s medical records, toxicology reports, and any other evidence to determine whether your driver may have been a risk.
- Equipment Requirements. Truck companies have a responsibility to keep trucks in working order and to keep equipment properly maintained. Brakes should be checked, tires regularly replaced, and regular tune ups performed. Truck drivers and truck companies have a responsibility to keep records of this on hand and the truck accident lawyers at the Cooper Law Firm can review these records to determine whether there may have been issues with the truck involved in your crash.
- Loading Requirements. Overloaded trucks are a risk to everyone on the road. Heavier trucks take longer to stop, are more at risk of tipping over, and can lead to blown tires and accidents. Truck companies have a responsibility to obey the law when it comes to loading trucks.
- Hazardous Waste Laws. Trucks carrying hazardous waste have added requirements regarding the safe transport of hazardous materials. When accidents happen involving these vehicles, individuals can be exposed to toxic and dangerous chemicals. If you believe you might have been exposed to toxic waste in a truck accident, consider speaking to the Cooper Law Firm, a truck accident lawyer in Texas today.
Truck laws are designed to protect the safety of everyone on the road. When truck drivers and companies cut corners to increase profits and their bottom lines, others can get hurt. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Texas, consider speaking to the Cooper Law Firm today. We may be able to help you seek damages for your lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering damages.
Protect Your Rights
In the aftermath of an accident, you and your family are likely concerned about healing, about paying medical bills, and about moving forward with your lives. The last thing you might be thinking about is the complexities of truck laws and regulations. The Cooper Law Firm are truck accident lawyers in Texas who understand truck laws and who can help you understand your rights when it comes to seeking damages for your accident. Truck accidents can leave victims with more serious injuries and losses. You may only have a limited amount of time to seek damages for your injuries. Visit the Cooper Law Firm today to learn more.
