To avoid deadly truck accidents, trucking corporations and truck drivers must adhere to local, state, and federal trucking guidelines. However, unrealistic expectations of truckers, like narrow delivery windows and extended hours spent on the road, often lead to the negligence of these regulations, which then contributes to serious accidents.
If you were hurt in an accident involving a commercial truck, find out what laws might have been disregarded and how this could impact your case. Chalker Injury Law’s experienced Atlanta, Georgia truck accident lawyers can help analyze the accident to establish whether regulatory violations occurred and how they impacted your accident. Continue reading below to learn more.
Understanding Fair Compensation after a Truck Accident
Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic and life-altering experience, and it’s important to know what steps you can take to be fairly compensated for your losses. The compensation you’re entitled to will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cause of the accident, and who was at fault.
Document the Scene of the Accident
The first step in seeking fair compensation after a truck accident is to document the scene of the accident. This includes taking pictures of the damage to your vehicle, any visible injuries, and the location of the accident. Additionally, you should obtain the contact information of any witnesses and the insurance information of the truck driver and trucking company.
Seek Medical Attention
If you’re injured in a truck accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only will this help you recover from your injuries, but it will also provide documentation of your injuries for your insurance claim.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal system after a truck accident can be complex and overwhelming, and it’s important to have an experienced truck accident attorney on your side. An attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company will begin an investigation into the accident and will help you receive fair compensation for your losses. However, it’s important to be cautious when speaking with your insurance company, as they may try to minimize your settlement.
Consider the Value of Your Losses
When seeking fair compensation after a truck accident, it’s important to consider the value of your losses. This includes both economic losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine the value of your losses and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Federal Truck Driving Regulations
In addition to following traffic laws, it’s important to be aware of federal truck driving regulations. These regulations, which are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are designed to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road. Some of the most important regulations include:
Hours of Service Regulations
The FMCSA has established hours of service regulations that limit the amount of time a truck driver can spend behind the wheel. These regulations are designed to reduce driver fatigue and improve safety on the road. The hours of service regulations include maximum daily and weekly driving limits, as well as requirements for breaks and rest periods.
Vehicle Maintenance Regulations
Federal regulations also require trucking companies to properly maintain their vehicles. This includes regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance to ensure that trucks are safe to operate on the road. The FMCSA also requires trucking companies to keep records of their vehicle maintenance to ensure that they’re in compliance with regulations.
Driver Qualification Regulations
To operate a truck, a driver must meet certain qualifications, including minimum age, medical requirements, and minimum hours of training. The FMCSA has established these requirements to ensure that only qualified and competent drivers are behind the wheel of a truck.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations
Federal regulations also require trucking companies to conduct drug and alcohol testing for their drivers. This helps to ensure that drivers are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a truck, reducing the risk of accidents.
Hazardous Materials Regulations
Trucks carrying hazardous materials are subject to additional regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials, and include requirements for packaging, labeling, and training for drivers.
What to Do When a Truck Industry Regulation Violation Caused Your Truck Accident
The compassionate and zealous truck accident attorneys at Chalker Injury Law are available now to help you after you or someone you love were involved in a devastating and life-altering truck collision. Contact our office today to get answers to your important questions or to book your initial case consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident attorneys by dialing (678) 319-9991 or toll-free at (800) 393-8595.
