Trucking accident lawyers note that, in an effort to reduce semi truck accidents and the harm that they can cause, especially for drivers and passengers in non-commercial vehicles, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration creates and enforces rules and regulations regarding the operation of commercial semi trucks. Hours of Service Regulations, for example, restrict the length of time a truck driver can stay on the road.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a semi truck, contact Attorney Group today to learn more about your options. We can answer your questions in a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated trucking accident lawyer.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
Commercial Truck Drivers Must Follow Hours of Service Regulations
Safe driving principles dictate that under no normal circumstances should drivers operate commercial vehicles while overly fatigued, as driving in this condition jeopardizes their safety and the safety of other drivers and passengers. Federal law provides drivers with guidance on how to avoid this fatigue through Hours of Service Regulations, which include the following rules:
- A daily driving limit of 11 hours.
- No driving after the 14th consecutive hour of being on duty.
- Permitted driving only if eight or fewer hours have passed since the drivers’ last off-duty rest period of 30 minutes ended.
- A minimum of eight consecutive hours in the sleeper berth plus another two separate total hours in the berth or off duty.
Injured Drivers or Passengers May Be Entitled to Compensation
Trucking companies have a duty to make sure that their drivers are operating in conformity with Hours of Service Regulations. If this duty is not fulfilled, fatal accidents may occur, and the company can be held liable for injuries that may result from the truck driver operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner.
Drivers or passengers who are injured in semi truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- The extent of an injury
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income or ability to work
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from an injury
If a driver or passenger is killed in a semi truck accident, his or her family members may be able to pursue compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one. Wrongful death damages can include:
- Loss of relationship or a loved one’s financial support
- Mental anguish, and pain and suffering from the loss of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
- Conscious pain and suffering or a loved one prior to death
The Time to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
If you have been injured, or a loved one killed, in a semi truck accident, contact Attorney Group to learn more about your options. We can answer your questions, and if you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated trucking accident lawyer. Your call is free, confidential, and without any obligation on your part, but the time to pursue a claim is limited, so contact us today.
