There are over three million tractor-trailers on the road, carrying produce, building materials, and other goods around the country. While these are some of the most important vehicles on the road, their immense size makes them incredibly dangerous. As such, there are many trucking regulations in place that help keep everyone on the road safe. However, some drivers and their employers may disregard these rules, which can lead to devastating accidents. If you were involved in a collision with one of these vehicles, Baltimore County truck accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation for the injuries you’ve endured.
What Are the Most Important Trucking Regulations?
By far, one of the most essential regulations designed to help minimize accidents surrounds regulations for how many hours a driver can work in one day. Federal law states that truck drivers cannot travel more than eleven hours per day. Similarly, if a driver is on the road for a six to eight day period, they must take a thirty-four-hour break before getting back on the road. This is to help lessen accidents caused by drowsy driving, as many drivers feel pressured to push their limits in order to make their employers happy.
Unfortunately, many accidents occurred as a result of underqualified and undertrained drivers. Many logistics companies were losing drivers, so they hired people without the experience or training necessary to safely operate these vehicles. Because of their inexperience, they are much more likely to cause an accident. As such, employers are required by law to provide adequate training to their employees.
How Can These Help My Case?
Understanding the regulations drivers and their employers must follow is essential if you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck. Failure to comply with federal regulations surrounding their industry can leave drivers and companies facing severe consequences.
However, proving that a truck driver violated federal law of their own volition or on behalf of their employer can be tricky. After all, you can’t tell by looking at a driver whether or not they are over their hours or if the weight over their truck exceeds maximum capacity.
As such, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a lawyer with experience handling truck accidents. They can investigate the circumstances of the collision and access information that may not be available to you. This is essential to help prove that negligence and a violation of federal law was the reason your accident occurred. If a violation of federal law transpired, it can help prove the cause of your accident, and the company may incur hefty fines to ensure they do not disregard the safety of others again.
When injured due to the negligent actions of another party, the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi can help. Our dedicated legal team has the experience you need to fight for the compensation you are entitled to when injured by a negligent truck driver. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
