Federal and state governments heavily regulate the trucking industry to prevent accidents and promote safety on roads and highways. When truckers or their employers fail to comply with the regulations, accidents with catastrophic consequences can occur.
Truckers must follow vehicle maintenance guidelines, hours behind the wheel, weight restrictions, and more. If you suffered severe and painful injuries and losses in a crash due to a careless truck driver, you have the right to seek damages and hold them responsible with the help of a personal injury attorney. Call a hard-working Newark truck accident lawyer to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Causes of Tractor-Trailer Crashes
Tractor-trailer crashes can happen for many reasons, including driver-related issues, vehicle maintenance, and poor road conditions from weather or poor maintenance. Some of the typical causes include:
- Distracted truck drivers
- Speeding or reckless truck operation
- Driving 18-wheelers while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Trucker fatigue
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Overweight or improper cargo loading
- The negligence of another third-party motorist
Semi-truck collisions can result from various reasons, and many factors, such as the speed and number of vehicles involved, can contribute to the severity. Driver distractions, such as using a cell phone for calls or texting while driving, significantly increase the risk of road and highway collisions. Therefore, federal laws prohibit people holding a commercial driver’s license from using a smartphone or any device requiring them to touch more than one button while driving. An attorney in Newark can review a truck accident case to determine the cause and those responsible.
Recoverable Damages in 18-Wheeler Cases
All cases are different, and settlement amounts can vary significantly. However, collisions with massive 18-wheelers are often severe, and the compensation amount can be substantial. Examples of recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses related to the accident
- Prescriptions, medical equipment, and physical therapy
- Transportation costs for healthcare appointments
- Lost salary, benefits, and earning potential
- Emotional suffering and distress
- Permanent disabilities, scarring, and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
After reviewing the case, a Newark truck accident attorney can review the laws and answer specific questions about the legal process and potential damages.
Commercial Truck Driver Hours of Service
Federal and state regulations restrict the maximum number of hours truckers may operate the vehicles in a day and throughout the week. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limits drivers of 18-wheelers to driving within a 14-hour window daily. They can only remain behind the wheel for 11 hours after being off the clock for 10 hours.
Those working seven-day workweeks may drive for a maximum of 60 hours per week, and those working eight days can remain behind the wheel for up to 70 hours. They must stay off the clock for at least 34 hours to reset the workweek. A truck crash lawyer in Newark knows the industry and which documentation, such as the trucker’s hours behind the wheel log, to request to build a strong case.
Heavy Commercial Vehicle Maintenance
Heavy commercial vehicles must undergo regular maintenance and inspections to ensure safe roadway driving. Truckers must also learn how to handle mechanical repairs for emergency citations. A mechanical defect or failure can quickly lead to crashes with deadly consequences.
Contact a Skilled Truck Accident Attorney in Newark
Vehicle collisions happen, and the consequences can be devastating for everyone when they involve tractor-trailers. They can leave you with severe bodily injuries, costly medical expenses, and lost income. Therefore, the law allows you to pursue damages from the liable party.
You could be eligible for compensation if you were in a crash because of a truck operator or company’s negligence. Speak with a diligent Newark truck accident lawyer to review your case and options.