How Truck Accident Claims have Changed with Recording Devices

Since the 1980’s many trucks have included “black boxes.”  These recording devices (called Electronic Logging Devices or Electronic Control Modules) were originally designed to help the truck manufacturer deny warranty claims.  If they could verify that the truck’s owner failed to maintain the vehicle, then they wouldn’t have to replace parts under warranty.

Over the years, as technology got better, devices were installed in more and more trucks.  Sometimes for those warranty reasons, sometimes so owners could keep an “eye” on their drivers, and lately because it’s required.

It wasn’t until 2015 that the FMCSA implemented a black box mandate, but even still there are a number of exceptions where owners and operators can “get around” installing one.  Let’s take a look as the Car Crash Captain explains the benefit of the black box in a truck accident claim.

How the Black Box Helps with a Truck Accident Claim

Whenever you’re in a wreck, there are a lot of variables involved.  Even if you have great video evidence there are things that can’t be easily identified visually.

Using the data that the black box records, accompanied by any video evidence that might be produced, the truck accident can be reconstructed much more accurately.

When the scene has been reconstructed, your truck accident attorney will know how fast the driver was going, whether they braked or not, if they were speeding up or slowing down, if they signaled, and a whole lot more.  The bottom line is that if you were hurt, or a loved one was killed, due to the trucker’s negligence, your case is strengthened.

What the Black Box Records

What records will the black box give us?

Just about anything that can be recorded, will be recorded.  If you drive a modern vehicle, think of all the warnings, alerts, and data you get right through the dashboard.  That’s all recorded by the black box.  Data that includes:

• Time since last stop
• GPS location
• Speed
• Braking (and braking intensity)
• Tire pressure
• Swerving
• Maintenance issues
• Cruise control use

All of this data can be used to create a very clear picture of what happened leading up to the moment of impact, and immediately following it.

Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

But don’t expect to walk into a trucking company and have them turn over their data willingly.  Even if they weren’t at fault, they’re going to guard that information closely.

That’s why you need a truck accident lawyer.  Knowing the laws, which ones to cite, and how to properly obtain the data can mean the difference between losing your case, and receiving the compensation that you need in order to heal completely.

Visit with Herbert Law Group

Herbert Law Group knows how to handle these types of cases.

We can help you recover what you need, and not the small settlement the insurance company will likely throw out there in hopes that you don’t pursue justice.

Tapping into the black box in a truck accident claim, we can make a strong argument on your behalf.

Let’s chat about what happened.  Let’s get to know each other to see if we’re a good fit.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you.

How to Travel Safe through the Holidays

There are a few times of the year that are much more dangerous to be on the road.  The 100 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day – the summer vacation months – top the list year after year.

Closely following those summer days, however, are periods around the holidays.  Thanksgiving weekend, and the week from Christmas to New Years are loaded with accidents, including those that involve commercial trucks.

During this cheery and merry time of year, don’t let a holiday truck accident ruin the mood.  The Car Crash Captain has the information on how you can get through this time safe and sound.

Top 4 Reasons for Holiday Truck Accidents

We know just how aggravating it can get when traffic picks up.  We have a destination in mind, and a goal on when we want to get there.  Cue all the other people who had the same plans as we did, and it’s rather frustrating.  The same things that frustrate and aggravate the average driver, frustrate and aggravate truck drivers as well.

Heavy Traffic – More traffic causes two issues.  First, there are more chances of hitting another vehicle.  But the second issue is even worse.  When traffic gets congested, people get frustrated and take more chances.  Heavy traffic can lead to a holiday truck accident due to poor driving choices.

Road Conditions – Winter is generally a time when the roads aren’t in ideal driving conditions.  In Texas they stay dry and safe, for the most part.  But those who live in the Dallas area know that an ice storm in winter is not unheard of; drivers of cars and semi-trucks don’t do well on the icy roads.

Tight Deadlines – As more and more people order gifts online, those delivering the goods have larger and larger loads to haul.  When people need their items, drivers can push the limits on what they legally are allowed to do, and mistakes get made.

Substance Abuse – No matter how you look at it, driving under the influence is a major problem for all sorts of motorists.  Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, or another controlled substance, a holiday truck accident can occur when someone has had a bit too much.

How to Avoid being in a Holiday Truck Accident

The best way to avoid being injured or killed in a truck accident is to not travel at all.  But we can’t just live in a bubble, and life is full of risks.

While it would be wonderful if every driver took extreme care and drove safely, we can only control our own actions.  So, we set ourselves up for safety by driving defensively.

Leave Earlier – We all know how hard it is to get out the door on time.  But a few extra minutes can mean the difference between keeping your cool, or making a risky move.  Don’t be the cause of a wreck because of poor planning.

Use the 12 Second Rule – No matter when you’re driving, you want to be looking 12 seconds ahead of your vehicle.  This will allow you to take action well in advance when you see something going wrong.

Slow Down – That four-wheel-drive will help you grip the slick roads a little better when accelerating or turning, but if someone pulls out in front of you, it doesn’t help you stop any faster.

Wear a Seatbelt – Traffic fatality rates plummeted when seatbelts became mandatory.  There have been numerous studies that show seatbelts save lives.  Buckling up can mean the difference between walking away, and dead.

Use a Dash Cam – No matter how safe of a driver you are, there’s going to be an unsafe driver out there.  A high-quality dash cam can capture the moments before a wreck and show your truck accident lawyer just what happened.

Why you Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

A holiday truck accident is complicated.  Was it the driver’s fault, the trucking company, the truck owner, or a mixture of a bunch of different parties?

When you have been injured, you should have one goal: to heal from those injuries.  Don’t spend your energy on pursuing a claim; leave that to the professional truck accident lawyers at Herbert Law Group.

We will handle the dirty work, so you can handle healing.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you shortly.

Crashes Impact a Driver’s Record for a Long Time

With thousands of truck wrecks every year, they are bound to affect the number of drivers out there.  If a driver loses their CDL because of a crash, then there are fewer drivers on the road.  Fewer drivers out there lead to an increase in the number of truck wrecks every year.

But do drivers always lose their license after a wreck?  What factors are involved, and what is your responsibility if you’re the victim of a trucking accident?  The Car Crash Captain dives in and lets you know what you need to know.

Truck Wreck Investigation

Immediately following the wreck, an investigation will take place.  Since truck drivers are held to a higher standard than other motorists, every wreck is taken seriously.

That investigation will include:

• Drug and alcohol testing: was the driver under the influence when the wreck occurred?
• Truck logs: was the driver following the rules set out for the number of hours he or she may drive during the week?
• Witness statements: what did other parties see?
• Vehicle maintenance: was the truck up-to-date on maintenance?

There are multiple parties that conduct these investigations.  The trucking company, the insurance company, law enforcement, and your personal injury lawyer will reconstruct the truck accident.  All parties have different goals in mind; not all of them will want to show that you’re the victim and deserve compensation.

Medical Treatment for Injured Parties

While those investigations are taking place, victims need medical treatment.

Even if you are able to “walk away” from the wreck, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.  Your adrenaline will be flowing.  It could mask the symptoms of a serious issue that is developing.

License Suspension for the Driver

Normally the driver will have their license suspended, at least until the investigation is complete.  These repercussions can carry over well after the wreck.

Reinstatement – If the driver was found to be at no fault, they may have their license reinstated.  Because of the way CDL’s are monitored the wreck will still show up on their record for a time.  This does not guarantee, however, that the trucking company will continue to employ the driver.

Suspension – There are instances where the driver’s CDL will be suspended for a period of time.  After that time, they may apply to reinstate it.

Revocation – If the wreck is serious, and injuries or fatalities resulted, the driver may have the license revoked and not be able to drive truck again.

Jail – Depending on the circumstance, some drivers may end up serving time due to their negligence.

If you are the victim, you might be thinking that these don’t really apply to you.  They are punishments or sanctions on the driver after all.  However, we have to keep in mind that the trucking company wants to limit their liability.  If they have a good driver who made a one-time poor judgement, they may try to shift blame to you so they don’t have to lose their driver.

Settlement Negotiations for Injured Party

Throughout the process, you will be healing from your injuries and your truck wreck lawyer will be determining what compensation will help you recover from those injuries.

Depending on the circumstance, the liability, the extent of the injuries and damages, and a whole lot more, your settlement is negotiated by a skilled personal injury lawyer who understands what goes into your recovery.

Contact Herbert Law Group after a Truck Wreck

The only way you can have access to that skilled personal injury lawyer, however, is if you get in touch with Herbert Law Group.  With years and years of experience, we know just what to look for in a truck wreck, and how much you deserve in compensation.

Let’s chat about it to learn about your case.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.

Be Aware to Avoid a Life-Changing Wreck

Thousands crashes that result in catastrophic semi-truck injuries happen every day.  Many of them right here in Texas.

While the bottom line is that the truck driver (or any one of the liable parties) should avoid being negligent, sometimes it falls on the other motorists to avoid a wreck when other parties aren’t doing their part.  If you’re paying attention, it’s likely that you can see disaster looming, and avoid being a part of it.

The Car Crash Captain explains how a catastrophic semi-truck wreck happens, and what you can do to avoid it.

What are Catastrophic Semi-Truck Injuries?

A catastrophic injury is one that changes your life permanently.  Think of the major injuries you could sustain in a wreck:

• Paralysis
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Loss of limb(s)
• Partial, or full, disability
• Loss of hearing or sight

The list goes on and on.  To get a better understanding of catastrophic injuries, check out our recent post on the topic.

What Causes these Wrecks with Big Rigs?

There are a number of different parties that can be liable in a truck accident.  But often, it comes down to the driver that isn’t paying enough attention to the road, and acts negligently.

A simple lapse in judgment can mean a lot of changed lives.  Those lapses include:

• Drunk or impaired driving
• Drowsy driving
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving

There’s a lot that goes into determining liability.  It’s one of the biggest reasons you need a personal injury lawyer on your side if you are involved in a wreck with a big truck.  That’s especially true if you sustain catastrophic semi-truck injuries.

Take a look at our previous post about how to better understand liability in these cases.

5 Ways you can avoid becoming a Victim

So what does the motorist do when faced with the impending danger of driving alongside semis?  There are times when things are unavoidable.  You just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But you can take steps to prevent being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  It starts with some defensive driving:

• Avoid the blind spot; if you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
• Understand response times; big vehicles take longer to react (especially braking), they may swerve to avoid a collision instead of braking.
• Stay back; trucks slow down when going up a hill, ease off the throttle (or pass them) instead of getting right up on their bumper.
• Maintain your vehicle; this is good advice no matter where or when you’re driving.  A maintained vehicle is safer.
• Don’t drive distracted, drunk, or drowsy; be alert and stay alive.

When you drive diligently and pay attention to the road, you can help to keep yourself safe on Texas highways.  But if you are involved in a Texas truck wreck, you need a Texas truck accident attorney.

Talk with Herbert Law Group for Expert Legal Advice

Most truck accidents result in injury or death.  If this is the case, then you need a truck accident lawyer that knows how to handle the situation.

You need Herbert Law Group.

The expert attorneys have seen catastrophic semi-truck injuries before.  They know how these injuries change lives, and understand the financial burden you will be under if you’re the victim.

To get things started we need to know if we can help you.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you soon.

Truck Drivers are Responsible to Maintain Brakes

It is estimated that 30% of trucking accidents are caused, at least in part, by brake failure.

But what does brake failure even mean?  Do they go out completely?  Are the trucks out of compressed air, so they just don’t work?  Are they old and worn?

Let’s take a look at what the Car Crash Captain has to say about truck accidents that stem from brake failure, and how the issue starts in the first place.

Most Brake Failure Accidents are from Brake Fade

As brakes work hard, they aren’t quite as effective as they were when fresh.  Not because they’re wearing down, although that is a factor, it’s due to what is known as brake fade.

Brake’s work well up to really high temperatures; usually in excess of 500 degrees.  But overused brakes can quickly soar past that temperature and start pushing 1,000 degrees.  These red-hot brakes swell, and can mean the brake shoes have to move farther to create the friction necessary to slow the truck down.  The driver has to push harder and harder to get the necessary pressure just to slow a truck.

This can occur due to improper driving, like braking too hard, not adjusting the engine for downhill, or driving too aggressively.

It can also occur with worn out pads, contaminated brake fluid, overloaded vehicles, or poorly adjusted brakes.

Often it’s a combination of poor driving skills and poor vehicle maintenance.

How Drivers Should Avoid Brake Fade

An experienced driver will understand they can’t rely on brakes alone to slow the truck.  And they know that brake failure will happen (it’s not a matter of if, it’s a when) as they overuse the brakes.

Instead, the driver must rely on using the engine to slow the rig.  Downshifting and noisy engine brakes are efficient at dumping speed.  Giving the brakes a rest and letting them cool, and regular maintenance can all prevent a deadly trucking accident.

In a Wreck?  You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

There will always be times when accidents do happen.  And if you’re in the wrong place, you could end up the victim.

But insurance will take care of it, right?

Not usually.  With as complicated as trucking accidents are, will you know where to start when filing a claim?

• Do you know if it was inexperience and riding the brakes that led to failure?
• Do you know if it was a lack of maintenance?
• Do you know if it was a faulty part that was installed in the first place?

With all of the variables, you need a truck accident lawyer to help navigate the legal mayhem that ensues.

Herbert Law Group is here to Help

If you have been injured in a truck accident, your main focus should be to heal.  You need to get better from your wounds: physical or mental.

The stress of an insurance claim or a pending lawsuit is going to deter your healing.

Instead, Herbert Law Group will take that burden from you.  Our experienced attorneys know what to look for, who to talk to, and what to claim when it comes to your wreck.

You focus on healing; we’ll deal with the courts and insurance companies.

Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and let’s get to know each other.  The initial consultation is free; we just need to know if we’re a good fit.

Knowing the Risks can Save Your Life

Every single day, thousands of motor vehicle crashes happen.  Truck crashes make up a couple thousand of those daily crashes.

What should concern anyone driving on the highways today is that if you happen to be involved in a semi truck crash, the chances of being injured or killed are considerably higher than if you’re involved in a wreck with another passenger vehicle.

How do semi truck crashes look?  We gathered up a handful of recent news reports that show how varied truck crashes can be.  The Car Crash Captain lays them out to let you know what you should watch out for.

Semi Truck Crashes and Tips Over Near Omaha, Nebraska

On September 10^th a truck crashed and tipped onto its side in Nebraska.  There aren’t great reports on what exactly happened, but it sounds like this was one of the “fortunate” accidents that didn’t involve other vehicles, and there were no injuries reported.

But it does make for hazardous driving.  Semi truck drivers are humans just like all of us, and they make mistakes when driving.  If you were driving near this truck when the driver lost control, would you be able to quickly recognize the erratic driving and be able to take evasive action quickly enough to avoid being involved in the wreck?

Paying close attention, especially near big trucks, is the best way to avoid being involved in a truck wreck.

FedEx Truck Crashes with Semi Truck Near Detroit

When two large vehicles collide, there’s a greater chance that other vehicles will also be involved.

This wreck involving 6 vehicles total wasn’t limited to the FedEx driver and the semi truck driver in the morning of September 13^th.  There were no injuries reported, but the damage done to the FedEx vehicle show that this could have gone a whole lot worse than it did.

Wet roads after the rain can make driving treacherous for big rigs as well as smaller vehicles.  Watch out for hazards, and keep an eye on those large trucks in case they lose control.

Motorist Dies in Semi Truck Wreck in Eastern Georgia

Unfortunately, many accidents with semi trucks result in death or serious injury.

On the morning of September 12^th, a 71-year-old man lost his life after colliding with a tractor-trailer.  There’s no word on what exactly happened, but the pickup truck hit the back of the semi with enough force to embed the pickup under the trailer.

Most semi trucks will have safety equipment to prevent vehicles from sliding under the trailer.  Large metal “bumpers” prevent the majority of truck underride collisions.  But not all trailers have them, and not all vehicles will be stopped in a collision.

No Injuries in a Messy Crash Outside of Memphis

Sometimes a truck wreck isn’t deadly, but can prove to be almost comical on what results.

While there’s nothing comical about the destruction of property and the setbacks people go through after a truck crash, the aftermath might be unexpected.  Such as what happened outside of Memphis at the end of August.  The result was a roadway coated in thick, creamy, alfredo sauce.

Once it’s cleaned up, that roadway will hopefully be safe to travel again.  But even after an accident, hazards exist… like hitting a patch of alfredo sauce and hydroplaning – or alfredo-planing – off the road.

Yep, it’s an alfredo sauce spill on I-55 pic.twitter.com/rSG7RDZprn

— WREG News Channel 3 (@3onyourside) August 30, 2022

Get in Touch with Herbert Law Group after a Semi Truck Crash

What isn’t a laughing matter is when you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed, because of a truck driver’s negligence.

Truck crashes happen every day.  We can protect ourselves with defensive driving, but there will always be those unpredictable and unavoidable moments.

If you have suffered a loss after a truck crash, then we need to speak with you.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.  Our first conversation is just to get to know you and to see if we’re a good fit.

But don’t Wait the Full Two Years

Nobody wants to file a lawsuit after an accident.  They just want to be reimbursed for the financial loss that they have incurred.

But there are many times when the insurance companies aren’t playing nice, and you have to enlist the help of the Car Crash Captain.  Tapping into extensive expertise, both his own expertise and the entire Herbert Law Group team’s expertise, Zach is able to help you navigate the tricky waters of seeking compensation after a truck accident.

Here’s why you shouldn’t wait around to file that claim; instead, talk with Texas truck accident lawyer right away to get the ball rolling.

Witnesses Don’t Remember What Happened Anymore

Our own memories change the instant they’re created.  Studies have shown that immediately following an event, different people recount what happened entirely differently.

Those memories change over time.  Even if you can track down witnesses to the wreck, they might not fully remember what happened, how it happened, or where.

By starting the truck accident claim early, you ensure that memories are more preserved.

Physical Evidence is Destroyed

Intentionally destroying evidence is, of course, illegal.  But time will destroy evidence the longer you wait.

Even after a day, icy roads can thaw and the evidence that a vehicle slid on them is removed.  Damaged structures are fixed and replaced, broken glass is cleaned up, and plants that might have been torn from the ground will regrow.

Without legal obligation, even dashcam evidence may be overwritten or deleted.

Documenting this evidence while the claim is fresh helps to ensure that your truck accident claim works out in your favor.

Truck Accident Claim Investigations can be Lengthy Processes

Even if you start the truck accident claim process today, there’s no telling when it might be wrapped up. Reconstructing the scene can take quite some time.

If you have been injured, you deserve to be compensated to help you heal.  Waiting to start the claim means the conclusion is just that much further away.

Herbert Law Group; Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers

So what’s the solution?

The solution is that if you have been injured in a Texas truck accident, you should talk with a Texas truck accident lawyer right away.

After dealing with hundreds of similar cases, Zach Herbert, Brandon Lavery, and Kaitlyn Moreno (as well as the support staff that make sure everything gets done and processed in a timely manner) know what to look for, how to document, and how to argue for the compensation that you deserve.

Your part is easy.  Just call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we will be in touch soon.  There’s no obligation to become a client, our first goal is to get to know you, and ensure that we are a good fit.

Know When to Pay Extra Attention

Thursday afternoons.

You don’t have to read the entire article, we’ll just give you the answer right away.  Thursday afternoons are when most fatal truck accidents occur.  That’s what the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tells us, anyway.  And that’s not an anomoly, it’s been that way for at least a decade, and likely isn’t going to change any time soon.

Why are Thursdays dangerous, and how do we use that information?  Herbert Law Group, personal injury lawyers in the Dallas, Texas area, want to make sure that you are safe out there; so keep reading and make sure that you don’t become a victim.

Why are Thursdays Dangerous for Highway Travel?

Roughly 80% of fatal truck accidents happen Monday to Friday.

On any given day, most truck accidents happen between noon to 3pm.

About 20% of those fatal accidents happen on Thursdays.

If you consider your own job, you’ll likely see some correlations to how you’re feeling, working, and your abilities.  Most truck drivers operate on the weekdays, so it makes sense that fewer wrecks would occur over the weekend.  After lunch – when you’re wearing out (maybe a little sleepy), and you’re hurrying to get the rest of your work done for the day – is when errors happen.  Thursday comes around, it’s near the end of the week, you’re ready for the weekend, and perhaps a little sloppy.

When we take it all into consideration, we can see that afternoons toward the end of the week, errors are more likely to occur.

How do we use this information to keep us safe?

How you can Stay Safe on your Summer Road Trip

Summer is winding down, and a lot of people are getting those last road trips in before school starts.  That means more people on the road and a higher liklihood of getting in a wreck.

• Pay more attention.  Thursdays, afternoons, and this busy month, make sure you’re extra aware of what is going on around you.  As always, put the phone away and avoid other distractions (like eating while driving).
• Maintain a safe distance.  If you’re farther away from a truck, you can react better if they have a mechanical failure or driver error.  Remember, if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you (unless you’re ahead of them, of course, but that’s kind of a given).
• Use the 12 second rule.  Knowing what’s coming up, and how a truck might have to react, will help you stay safe.

The bottom line: if we all pay attention and maintain a safe distance, a large number of wrecks can be avoided.

Let Herbert Law Group Help after a Fatal Truck Accident

But even when we all drive safe, accidents do happen.  Often, they come with deadly consequences.

If you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed, in a truck accident, it’s time to speak with a Texas lawyer that knows how to handle these types of cases.

Herbert Law Group is here to help you.  We help take the stress off your plate, so you can focus on healing.  Let’s get to know you, understand what happened, and see how we can help.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.  It’s a free conversation so we can understand how we can help.

Understanding what to do After a Truck Accident

Being involved in an accident with a truck almost always involves injury or death.  If you, or a loved one, have suffered in one of these wrecks, you need a Texas truck accident lawyer to help along the way.

Why?

Because truck accidents are very different than automobile or motorcycle wrecks.  There are different laws that may apply, different regulations that must be followed, and different parties that could be held liable.

Here’s how it all breaks down.

A Brief Overview of the Truck Accident Claim Process

There are a lot of steps that go into these accidents, so we’ve pared them down so you know the basics of what to expect and what we will handle for you.

Your Texas truck accident lawyer will:

• Analyze the official accident report written up by the local law enforcement.
• Review the driving logs and records of the driver of the truck and the trucking company in general.
• Review the maintenance history of the truck and when it was last inspected.
• Talk things over with your doctors, analyze medical bills, and treatment plans necessary for your full recovery.
• Review evidence, including any traffic cameras, dash cameras, witness statements, and more.
• Work with the trucking company’s insurance negotiating a settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.

If the insurance company is not willing to come to an agreeable settlement, we are willing to file a lawsuit and go to court to argue for what you deserve.

You, the victim, will:

• Know that everything is handled, reduce your stress, and focus on healing from your injuries.

When you have a Texas truck accident lawyer on your side, you don’t have to worry about all of the legal “stuff” that goes on.  You don’ need to be an expert on truck crashes, because you have an expert on your side.

Why Truck Wrecks are so Different

But why do you need an attorney to handle all of this for you?  Can’t you just collect the settlement offer?

Yes, you certainly could accept the settlement that the insurance company offers.  However, those settlement offers are generally way less than what you fully deserve.

In addition to that, truck accidents have so many different factors to consider, are you prepared to go through them all?  If you’re injured, or grieving the loss of a loved one, are you prepared to take on that task?

Knowing what happened in the wreck is one thing.  But do you know which party is liable for the crash?  It might be the driver, the trucking company, the maintenance crew, the company that loaded the cargo, the employer, a mixture of all of them, or someone else completely.

Check out our post on how to understand third party liability in a truck accident for some more details on that.

Herbert Law Group – Your Texas Truck Accident Lawyer

The bottom line is you’re injured: physically, emotionally, or both.  And you shouldn’t have to worry about all of this stuff.  It wasn’t your fault to begin with, so you shouldn’t be on the hook to clean up the mess.

That’s why we are here.  As professional truck accident lawyers in the Dallas, Texas area, we know how to handle these types of cases.

All we need from you is some basic information to see if we are a good fit.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll get started with a free conversation.

Which Trucking Regulations are Violated the Most Often?

With over 2 million semi trucks on the road at any given moment, there are going to be accidents that happen.

Because getting in a wreck with one of these big rigs is much more dangerous than colliding with a smaller vehicle, and because truck drivers are on the road much more than the average motorist, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has come up with regulations to ensure the safest trucks and drivers are out there helping keep American operating.

The problem, however, is that often greed can get in the way of safety.  When regulations are violated, you are put at risk.

Which Regulations are most likely to be Violated?

Regulations are in place to ensure that those driving big rigs have the proper skills and training in order to operate safely on our roads.  Unfortunately, sometimes a company will skip, pass over, or ignore the regulations in order to increase their profits.  This puts you, and everyone else on the road, at danger.

Here are some of the regulations most often ignored.

Truck Driver Operating Hours – There are trucks that operate around the clock.  The vehicle itself is fine running constantly; the drivers, however, must be swapped out.

Drivers, in the USA, can only drive for 11 hours each day.  They must take at least a 30 minute break every 8 hours, and they can only be “on duty” for 14 hours before they must take a mandatory 10 hour break.  Throughout the week a driver can only operate for 60 hours before remaining off-duty for 34 hours.

In an industry where more driving hours means more money, this regulation is often violated; leading to tired drivers that are unsafe on the roadways.

Semi Truck Maintenance – Every vehicle must be maintained in order to stay operational.  Because trucks are on the road much more than most vehicles, they need to be inspected and maintained even more diligently.

Brakes, tires, and lights are the most common failures on a truck.  Because of their wear and tear, they must be inspected daily to ensure peak operating condition.  We have all seen the blown out tire fragments on the highway; when a tire gets too old, it becomes dangerous to everyone around.

Skipping maintenance may sound like a way to speed up a shipment or save a little money.  But it comes at the cost of putting lives at risk.

Freight and Cargo Loading – Properly loading cargo means the difference between being able to control the trailer, and having the trailer control the tractor portion of the semi truck.

Trucks are limited to 80,000 pounds, including both the trailer and the tractor.  This isn’t an arbitrary number; it’s determined by a lot of science around how these large vehicles operate.  Over-loading a trailer also puts extra strain on the tires, brakes, axles, and more; it can lead to other issues that may cause a wreck.

In addition, the way the cargo is loaded is regulated.  Weight distribution is important.  If loaded improperly the truck can fishtail, jackknife, or flip over.

Truck Driver Hiring – There are a handful of factors that can immediately disqualify an applicant from being hired: a history of DUI and too many moving violations are some of the most closely monitored.

Physical fitness, holding a CDL licenses, and random drug tests are also important aspects to ensure that the driver is taking care of him or herself and not putting others at risk.

Skipping out on these regulations, or overlooking what some consider as “minor” violations, can lead to accidents later on.

Herbert Law Group Helps Truck Accident Victims

There are a lot of factors that go into truck accidents; it’s not always a wreck that was merely the negligence of the driver.

Understanding the trucking laws, and what regulations may have been violated, are important factors when it comes to ensuring that you are fully compensated after a big rig accident.

If you have been injured in a semi truck wreck, or if a loved one was killed in one of these accidents, we should talk.  It starts with a simple conversation to see if we are a good fit.  There’s no obligation to you, so give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we will be in touch.