Truck Accidents
Are 18-wheeler trucks required to be insured?
What are some of the dangers experienced while driving near tractor trailer trucks on the highway?
Are there different rules applying to accidents involving commercial trucks?
What are the most common causes of trucking accidents?
Are 18-wheeler trucks required to be insured?
All trucking companies are required to carry insurance coverage on their trucks. Insurance coverage is based on a variety of factors, such as distance the truck will be traveling, the contents of the load, and the size and weight of the truck.
What are some of the dangers experienced while driving near tractor trailer trucks on the highway?
Some of the most significant dangers of driving near tractor trailer trucks on the highway are:
- Increased Stopping Distance: These large trucks need much more distance than automobiles require to come to a complete stop due to their significant weight. Give the truck some room!
- Blind Spots: Tractor trailers have many blind spots located all around the truck that can cause the driver not to see your vehicle. If you are driving in one of these spots, it is possible that a serious accident may occur if the truck driver attempts to enter your lane. Remember, if you can't see their mirrors, they can't see you.
- Wide Right Turns: Tractor trailer trucks need to swing wide to the left in order to complete a right turn. If a car is in the path of the truck when it makes its turn, a serious accident may occur.
Are there different rules applying to accidents involving commercial trucks?
Yes, there are different rules applying to accidents involving commercial trucks. Trucks are governed by federal regulations that can be found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations apply to commercial tractor trailers involved in interstate commerce and are utilized in many states.
Lawsuits involving tractor trailer trucks vary greatly than those involving cars. One example of this difference is the Driver's Log. Federal law requires truck drivers to record driving data in a driver's log. In the event of an accident, the log will be thoroughly examined to ensure that the driver complied with federal hours of service regulations and did not participate in any illegal or negligent conduct.
A tractor trailer truck careened out of control on the road and caused a major accident in which I was injured. Can I seek recovery from the truck driver?
It depends. If there is a relationship between the trucking company and the truck driver, such as an employer/employee relationship, then the company is legally responsible for the negligence of its driver. Sometimes, the truck driver is considered an independent contractor. If you cannot establish a relationship between the truck driver and the trucking company, then the truck driver's insurance company should be responsible for your compensation.
What are the most common causes of trucking accidents?
There can be many causes for a truck accident, but some common causes are:
- Inadequate training for driving, safety issues, and defensive driving
- Inadequate supervision and monitoring of drivers
- Driver fatigue
- Drug or alcohol use
- Mechanical failure or defective parts
- Improper loading or overloading the truck
- Acceleration, braking, and visibility
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FAQs
What factors do attorneys consider when preparing to settle a car accident case?
What is the statute of limitations for car accidents in Missouri? In Illinois?
What happens if a lawsuit is filed after the statute of limitations?
Are 18-wheeler trucks required to be insured?
What are some of the dangers experienced while driving near tractor trailer trucks on the highway?
Are there different rules applying to accidents involving commercial trucks?
What are the causes of nursing home abuse and neglect?
What are the different types of nursing home abuse and neglect?
What are some recognizable signs that nursing home abuse and neglect could be occurring?
Do I need an attorney to represent me?
I have accruing medical bills. Who should pay my medical bills?