The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced new semi truck safety regulations pertaining to the Hours of Service rule for semi truck drivers. According to the FMCSA, this rule contains a 14-hour work day limit as well as an 11-hour daily driving limit. However, in an attempt to reduce driver fatigue, the new semi truck safety provisions decrease the previously allowed maximum average work week from 82 hours to 70 hours and require truck drivers to rest for 30 minutes during the first eight hours of their shifts. Additionally, drivers are required to rest or sleep for 34 consecutive hours, including at least two nights between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., if they reach the maximum 70 hours of driving within one week.
Tracy Morgan Injured in Truck Accident
In June 2014, a semi truck accident involving actor Tracy Morgan left one individual dead and four others, including Morgan, critically injured. While authorities have not yet released a cause of the accident, reports indicate that driver fatigue may be to blame. Witnesses state that the Wal-Mart semi truck driver failed to notice the slowing of traffic ahead of him and veered to avoid rear-ending a car in front of him. While Wal-Mart states that its driver was adhering to its Hours of Service regulations as the company can check its tracking and timekeeping devices, the driver has been charged one count of vehicular death and four counts of vehicular assault.
A Semi Truck Safety Attorney Can Help
There are many factors that can cause a semi truck accident in Arkansas, including:
- Inadequate semi truck maintenance
- Driver fatigue
- Overloading of cargo
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Brake failure
- Attempting to meet unrealistic delivery expectations
As a result, there may be more than one party you may hold responsible for your injuries such as the semi truck driver, the driver’s employer, the owner of the cargo, the trucking company that is leasing the vehicle, the manufacturer of an allegedly defective part or even the mechanic responsible for inspecting or maintaining the truck. An attorney in Arkansas can help determine if you have a lawsuit and help you seek appropriate compensation to which you may be entitled.
Contact Attorney Group for Arkansas Today
Have you or someone you love been injured in an Arkansas semi truck accident and you would like to learn more about your legal options? Attorney Group for Arkansas can provide you with a case evaluation and help answer your questions pertaining to semi truck safety and lawsuits that can result. We can also connect you with an affiliated attorney in Arkansas who can file a lawsuit on your behalf. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.
