Lawmakers in Congress are reportedly reviewing legislation that would make changes to federal semi truck laws and regulations that, according to critics, could result in more truck crashes and fatalities. The proposed changes include increasing the maximum size of double trailer trucks and curtailing the rest rules that truckers must follow, trucking accident lawyers note.
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.
New Law Could Increase the Number of People Killed Annually In Semi Truck Accidents
A new federal transportation bill seeks to allow longer double trailer trucks and impede the reinstatement of a federal rule concerning trucker rest periods. According to Bloomberg.com, this legislation would establish a maximum double trailer length of 33 feet per trailer, which is significantly longer than the 28-foot maximum currently observed in most states. The bill would also make it more difficult for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to require truckers to log two overnight rest periods during their reset periods between workweeks.
Safety advocates worry that both changes could have adverse effects. Longer double trailers are more challenging to control and require a greater stopping distance. Additionally, larger trucks that can carry more weight are more likely to cause severe injuries to other road users. The continued suspension of the rest rule could also prove dangerous, as this could allow truckers to rest less and work up to 82 hours in eight days.
National data indicates that truck accidents increased during each of the four years before 2015, with over 3,000 lives lost annually. Critics believe both of these proposed changes, which could give rise to larger trucks and more incidences of fatigued driving, might only reinforce this pattern, the website reported.
Injured Drivers or Passengers May Be Entitled to Compensation
Trucking drivers and trucking companies have a duty to make sure that they operate and maintain their vehicles in a safe manner. If this duty is not fulfilled, fatal accidents may occur, and the truck driver or trucking company can be held liable for injuries that may result.
Drivers or passengers who are injured in semi truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- 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:
- Mental anguish, and pain and suffering from the loss of a loved one
- Loss of relationship or financial support of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
People who have been injured in a trucking accident are advised to seek a qualified semi truck accident attorney to help them protect their legal rights.
Contact Us For More Information
If you have been injured, or a loved one killed in a semi truck accident, contact Attorney Group to learn more about your options. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
