Analyzing the Impact of Federal Regulations on Truck Safety

The trucking industry plays an extremely vital role in the foundation of the American economy. There are millions of registered semi-trucks and commercial vehicles in the United States. These trucks are responsible for delivering important materials and supplies to various points across the country. Without a robust and interconnected trucking and highway system. America would look far different than it does today. Each day, truckers deliver, food, medical supplies, raw materials, petroleum, and other crucial items. If the trucking industry were to shut down or be extremely curtailed, it is likely that Americans would experience a much different standard of living than what they currently enjoy.

The most common risks associated with trucking include serious crashes. These accidents can result in serious injuries and can cause a tremendous amount of property damage. Understanding the risks of truck crashes, in 1999 Congress created the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The stated purpose of the FMCSA was to reduce the total number of deaths and serious injuries caused by truck crashes across the United States.

Along with the FMCSA came a greater emphasis on trucking safety. Through the use of various federal regulations, the government has sought to create a framework for truck safety. In this article, we will discuss different rules and safety regulations and how they might affect third parties. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, our nationwide truck accident lawyers are here to help. Give us a call to see how we can be of assistance.

Federal Truck Safety Laws  Analyzing the Impact of Federal Regulations on Truck Safety

Trucking laws and regulations are actually a combination of various laws, including both federal and state laws. As previously mentioned, the FMCSA plays a major part in creating federal laws related to safety. Among the most common federal truck safety laws are:

  • Federal Hours of Service Rules: Fatigue is a major cause of many commercial truck accidents. As a result, the FMCSA established hours of service requirements for truckers. These laws prescribe maximum working periods for drivers and mandate how long they must be off of work before returning, among other things. The hours of service requirements are often cited by trucking companies as some of the most important federal truck regulations.
  • Safety Inspection Laws: Under federal law, a commercial truck is required to undergo an evaluation and safety inspection on a regular basis. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that all systems on the truck are working properly and are not in need of repair or replacement. A truck safety inspection must meet stringent federal standards in order for the truck to remain on the road.
  • Cargo and Weight Rules: Overloaded and improperly loaded trucks play a major role in many trucking accidents across the country. The FMCSA has established guidelines prescribing weight limits and setting out special loading and unloading instructions.

These are just a few of the types of rules that are enacted with safety in mind. Even though the rules are relatively straightforward, truckers and trucking companies may violate them, leading to an accident with a catastrophic outcome.

Liability for a Commercial Truck Accident

When a commercial truck accident occurs, the first step is to determine legal liability for the collision. Depending on the facts of the incident, there are many potentially responsible parties. The initial investigation often focuses on whether any safety laws and regulations were violated. This includes an analysis of whether federal safety guidelines were followed. When a safety guideline was not followed, individuals and entities who may be responsible include:

  • Truck drivers
  • Trucking companies and their employees
  • Manufacturers and equipment makers
  • Mechanics and truck inspectors

Holding the appropriate party or parties accountable requires having a skilled investigator to look into the crash. At Burg Simpson, our qualified national truck accident attorneys will investigate your accident and ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to obtaining the compensation that you deserve.

Legal Remedies for Victims

When you or a loved one have been the victim of a truck accident, the next question is what compensation you are entitled to receive. Safety statutes and regulations are very clear and are designed to be applied and followed uniformly by trucking companies and truck drivers. When the rules are not followed and an injury results, victims may be entitled to claim the following:

  • Pain and suffering: Being injured in a truck accident means a tremendous amount of pain and suffering. Sometimes the pain is physical but it can also be emotional, resulting in psychological trauma. Injured victims can seek recovery for all of their suffering caused by the accident
  • Medical and prescription costs: Truck accidents can lead to serious injuries. The cost of these accidents includes payment of medical and prescription costs for any necessary treatment.
  • Lost wages: When you are unable to work following a truck accident, you can often make a claim for any wages that you would have earned if not for your injuries. In cases of severe injuries, this claim may be substantial and can include a claim for permanent disability.

Truck accident compensation is a complex topic. Before attempting to settle your claim, you should always speak with a knowledgeable attorney.

Nationwide Truck Crash Attorneys

When you or a loved one have been affected by a commercial truck accident your life may be turned upside down in an instant. Truck crashes lead to serious and sometimes permanent injuries or death. High medical bills, tremendous pain, and lost wages are all frequently suffered by victims. It is important to have a skilled and seasoned attorney by your side during this time.

Here at Burg Simpson, our national truck accident lawyers are here for you following the accident. We know and understand the laws that apply to truck accidents. Our team will investigate every potential cause of the crash in order to provide the most effective representation. We offer free consultations for all potential and prospective clients. There is no obligation until we obtain a recovery on your behalf.

To schedule your time to speak with one of our attorneys, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at 866-695-1236.

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