Trucking companies can impose strict deadlines to deliver goods upon truck drivers and may even incentivize them to deliver these goods as quickly as possible, leading to potential accidents on the road. If you suffered any kind of injury related to a trucking accident, consider hiring a Hollywood truck accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 430-1030 to help you pursue compensation if you qualify.
Federal Trucking Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that truck drivers and trucking companies follow certain legal guidelines and regulations. If truck drivers and trucking companies do not follow these regulations and a trucking accident happens, the trucking company may assume financial responsibility for the victim’s injuries and losses along with facing severe federal and state penalties.
Truck Driver License Requirements
Truck drivers must qualify for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and meet certain requirements to drive a large commercial truck. If an investigation following a trucking accident determines that a truck driver did not have a valid CDL, was not 21 years of age, did not have a passenger car driver’s license in good standing, or have a driving record in good standing, a victim may hold them responsible for any injuries suffered in a trucking accident.
Hours of Service
Along with the commercial license requirements, truck drivers also must adhere to the Hours of Service Regulations. These laws require that a truck driver obtain a certain amount of rest between driving. If an investigation following a trucking accident determines that a truck driver did not stop for the mandatory rest periods, the victim may hold the trucking company and the truck driver responsible for any injuries they suffered.
Secured Cargo
Large trucks deliver thousands of pounds of cargo to destinations across the country. Specific rules and guidelines dictate how a truck driver and a trucking company must place the cargo within a truck to ensure safety. Any shifting of cargo within a large commercial truck can cause the entire truck to tip over, resulting in catastrophic injuries or deaths. If an investigation following a trucking accident determines that either the trucking company or the truck driver failed to secure the cargo of the commercial truck properly, a victim may hold the trucking company or the truck driver responsible for any injuries.
Alcohol and Drugs
No one should ever operate any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Federal and state laws prohibit drivers to operate passenger vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The FMCSA established even stricter guidelines for drivers of commercial trucks. If an investigation determines that a truck driver operated the vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the victim of the accident may file a claim against both the truck driver and the trucking company.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Hollywood, call (844) 430-1030
Determining the Liable Party
Making the determination who to sue after a trucking accident proves legally complex, and often multiple parties hold responsibility for any injuries suffered. This is often because of the vicarious liability law, which means that an injured party can hold both a negligent driver and their employer liable for an accident. An employer is vicariously liable for any actions its employers take in the scope of their employment.
A Manufacturer Might Also Be Liable
While most trucking accident investigations determine that the liability and negligence rest with either the trucking company, truck driver, or both, instances in which neither holds responsibility for the accident sometimes occur. If a commercial truck contained defective parts or components that led to the trucking accident, the victim may hold the manufacturer of those defective parts responsible for their injuries.
Consider contacting a member of the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 430-1030 to help you conduct an independent investigation of the trucking accident. We may also help you understand how you may pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Hollywood Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 430-1030
Types of Injuries in Trucking Accidents
Large commercial trucks weigh more and take up more space on the road than typical passenger vehicles; therefore, drivers and passengers of cars often suffer severe injuries when involved in a truck accident. Some of the types of injuries that victims of truck accidents suffer can include:
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Fractured bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Always seek immediate medical assistance following a trucking accident in order to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. If you decide later to file a personal injury claim against a trucking company, truck driver, or manufacturer, you will need evidence of your injuries.
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Consider a Hollywood Truck Accident Lawyer
Being in a trucking accident can permanently affect a victim’s life. Dealing with an insurance company can leave a victim at a disadvantage if the insurer offers a low settlement for injuries and losses. Having legal representation may relieve you of the burden of having to deal with insurance companies and the overwhelming legal process that ensues during a claim or lawsuit.
If you experienced an accident involving a large commercial truck, you may wonder who holds responsibility and liability for your injuries and how you may receive compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, or property losses. Begin the process of hiring one of our Hollywood truck accident lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, by calling (844) 430-1030. When you call, a member of the legal team can help you begin your free case evaluation.
Call or text (844) 430-1030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
