Commercial truck drivers are some of the most experienced and skilled motorists on the road, but no one is immune to the effects of fatigue. With long hours, tight deadlines, and endless stretches of highway, it’s not uncommon for truckers to become drowsy while behind the wheel, making them more prone to accidents.To prevent drowsy driving crashes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces the Hours of Service (HoS) regulations, which prohibit truckers from driving for more than 11 hours after having spent at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty. When commercial drivers are transporting passengers, they have a 10-hour driving limit after having spent at least eight … [Read more...]
What Evidence Might Contribute to My Truck Accident Claim?
Strong evidence is the bedrock of any successful truck accident claim. Without it, the insurance company might find opportunities to dispute liability, causation, or damages. This not only could draw out the proceedings, but it may also threaten the outcome of your case.Much of the evidence needed to support your claim could be time-sensitive, so it’s important that your attorney is able to conduct an immediate investigation. A seasoned truck accident lawyer can also file subpoenas to obtain evidence that’s being withheld and bring in expert witnesses to assist with the investigation, settlement negotiations, and any litigation that may follow.Let’s explore a few kinds of evidence your … [Read more...]
9 Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Truck Accident
Every car accident is a nerve-racking event, but collisions involving large trucks tend to be especially traumatic. Due to their immense size and weight, 18-wheelers can cause debilitating injuries and devastating property damage when they crash into smaller vehicles.It’s not easy to think clearly in the aftermath of a truck accident, but you must be careful about what you say and do at the scene and over the weeks that follow. The insurance company will be looking for any possible reason to deny or reduce the value of your claim.Read on to learn nine steps to take after a large truck crash to protect your legal rights and financial future:1. Call the PoliceYou should contact the … [Read more...]
Umbrella Coverage: A Potential Source of Recovery in Tort Claims
Recovering a fair settlement after a serious injury or wrongful death is a tricky process that may involve several insurance policies. Ideally, the person or entity that caused your injury or loss will have liability insurance that covers such scenarios, whether it was a car accident, slip and fall, product defect, etc.In addition to auto, home, and renter’s insurance, some defendants have umbrella coverage. This is extra liability insurance that will kick in if the policyholder is held responsible for serious injuries, property damage, and/or other losses that are not fully covered by their other policies.For example, if you were hurt in a car accident but the at-fault driver’s auto … [Read more...]
4 Reasons You Need A Lawyer for Your Truck Accident Claim
If you or someone you love is hurt in a truck accident, hiring a lawyer is very important. If you believe you are entitled to compensation for any personal injury accident, having an attorney represent your interests is always a good idea. It is especially important when you have a truck accident claim, because those are very complicated cases.Here's Why You Need a Lawyer to Litigate a Truck Accident ClaimOf the many reasons to hire an attorney to litigate your truck accident claim, here are the top 4 reasons a Long Beach lawyer should assist you.: Lawyers understand trucking laws. To receive compensation, a plaintiff has to prove a trucker or trucking company was negligent. … [Read more...]
How Will Trucking Laws Affect Your Personal Injury Case?
How Will Trucking Laws Affect Your Personal Injury Case? by Michael Waks The key requirement in a personal injury claim is to prove the truck driver was negligent. Sometimes there is a question about who is to blame for an accident, but if a truck driver breaks a safety law, there is a presumption of negligence. … [Read more...]
Truck Accident Rules Can Prove Blame in Drowsy Driving Crashes
Some of the most important federal regulations applicable to truck drivers are aimed at preventing drowsy driving crashes. Drowsy driving crashes are normally difficult to prove because, unlike with drunk driving, there are no objective tests for fatigue, and drivers do not usually admit they were over-tired. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations make it easier for victims to prove truck drivers were negligent, when the rules aimed at preventing drowsy driving crashes are violated.Trucking Safety Rules Help Prevent Drowsy Driving CrashesThe most important truck safety rules aimed at preventing drowsy driving crashes are those limiting the number of hours truckers can be … [Read more...]
Do Trucking Laws Affect Your Personal Injury Case?
Drivers of commercial trucks are required to follow all state traffic safety laws as well as the federal laws found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Federal laws address a wide range of issues from suspension of a driver's license for impaired driving, inspection requirements for trucks to record-keeping requirements for trucking companies.Trucking laws affect your personal injury case in many important ways, so if you have been in a truck crash, it is important to hire a Long Beach truck accident lawyer who knows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.How Can Trucking Laws Help Your Injury Case?Proving negligence is one of the essential elements in making a … [Read more...]
How is a Black Box Relevant to a Trucking Accident Case?
Black boxes are best known as the data recorders used to help identify the cause of airplane crashes, but black boxes can also be important in determining the cause of truck accidents. Most commercial trucks have black boxes that activate in the seconds before an accident, recording technical vehicle information and driver behavior. Some black boxes record ongoing information about the truck and the driver’s actions, providing even more information that can be used in determining what led to a crash.What is the Black Box?Black boxes are electronic data recorders, or EDRs, and they are installed in most commercial trucks and other types of motor vehicles. In modern diesel trucks, black … [Read more...]
Does Federal Law Require Trucks To Carry Insurance?
If you travel the freeways and roads in Southern California, you are familiar with semi-trucks. These large trucks are a common site on roads across America as they transport goods and freight from one place to another. The trucking industry makes it possible for all of us to enjoy products from around the world.Unfortunately, due to their size and weight, trucks can be dangerous. Recognizing this, the trucking industry is heavily regulated by federal law.Insurance Regulations for the Trucking IndustryBoth individual states and the federal government have specific laws governing large truck operations within their jurisdiction. The insurance coverage the Federal Government … [Read more...]
