Tractor Trailer Accident

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Every year, nearly tens of thousands of large trucks are involved in traffic accidents in the United States. A staggering number. They leave devastation in their wake.  Approximately 5,000 of these accidents involving semi trailer trucks result in fatalities. In fact, one out of every eight traffic fatalities is caused by a collision with a large truck.

Not surprisingly, most of the deaths and injuries involve the passengers of the vehicles struck by tractor-trailers.  Truck drivers typically escaped unscathed. 

There are regulations that govern these large commercial trucks.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which used to be known as the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), requires tractor-trailer and other large truck operators to obtain a commercial drivers license and undergo limited drug and alcohol testing. See FMCSA Regulations.

Drivers are also required to keep detailed logs outlining their routes and travel. Many truck safety advocates, however, question the effectiveness of the licensing and testing program.  The most significant problem according to safety experts, is truck driver fatigue - being tired or falling asleep at the wheel.

FMCSA created rules in 2003 which allow truck drivers to drive 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.  Also, drivers may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on-duty, following 10 hours off-duty.

This is supposed to be monitored by the drivers’ logs - which essentially creates an honor system among truck drivers to voluntarily report their hours. This can be a problem, however, as many truck drivers are not paid by the hour, but by the job. Accordingly, for many truck drivers, the incentive is to drive as much as possible and deliver as many goods or jobs as possible.

Were you involved in a tractor trailer accident or 18-wheeler accident?  Did this tractor trailer accident or 18-wheeler accident cause or contribute to your own or loved one’s serious injuries? If you or your loved one has suffered severe, permanent, injuries and wage loss as the result of a highway accident involving a large truck, then contact us to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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We provide aggressive, prompt, and ethical advocacy on behalf of individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injury, accident injury, and wrongful death. Contact us today.

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