Texas, September 22, 2022
The United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry to ensure standardized safety rules across the country. The laws are in place to protect roadway commuters and truck drivers from illegal trucking industry activities that would make roadways more dangerous. There are common driver infractions that increase truck accidents in Dallas. They can include:
- Maintenance violations including foregoing spot-checking equipment before each trip and is required by drivers such as service brakes, including trailer-brake connections, parking brakes, lighting devices and reflectors, steering mechanisms, horn, tires and tread wear, windshield wipers, coupling devices, wheels and rims, rear mirror, and emergency notification markers and equipment.
- Overweight/unsecured cargo loads can cause improper weight shifts that will result in rollover or jackknife situations, or unsecured cargo may come loose and cause roadway crashes.
- Hours of service violations can cause drivers to operate these large rigs while they are tired and experiencing driver fatigue or distraction leading to increased truck accidents on the highway and endangering other roadway passengers.
- Missing or incomplete driver logs which can used to build a negligence claim against drivers who may not be following federal laws regarding hours of service, overweight cargo, and other requirements specific to a particular truck model and cargo load.
- Speeding and reckless driving are common violations for all roadway drivers, but large trucks and 18 wheelers take longer to stop, are difficult to maneuver in changing direction quickly, and are prone to jackknife or rollover situations due to cargo loads and short braking distances.
Motor vehicle accident victims and surviving loved ones may ask themselves “Where can I find attorneys near me?” when they need assistance recovering compensation to replace property, pay medical bills and lost wages, or funeral expenses when a victim suffers fatal injury.
Negligent parties.
Regulations that involve driver actions including hours worked, proper licensure and training, periodic medical screening, drug, and alcohol use are used to support cases against negligent truck drivers, but other parties involved in the transport of goods and services may include cargo loaders, maintenance personnel, truck and parts manufacturers, and trucking companies and owners who can be held responsible for a tractor trailer accident in Dallas.
Recoverable compensation.
Insurance compensation for significant property loss and physical harms may be possible in the State of Texas. Call an accident attorney who can help support negligence by assigning “fault” in a legal proceeding that addresses property damage, physical injuries, and wrongful death.
Damages that may be recovered include:
- Property replacement
- Medical bills
- Current and future compensation losses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of care, companionship
- Estate administration expenses
- Funeral expenses if a wrongful death occurs
Attorneys from the Cooper Law Firm can communicate with insurance carriers and initiate civil action when it is necessary. Damage compensation will be impacted by the type of injury, increasing in amounts relative to the extent of damage after a big rig accident.
Consult with an accident lawyer.
In a trucking accident that causes catastrophic loss, consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer who is familiar with trucking industry regulation and experienced with Texas civil and criminal procedures may benefit truck accident victims.
Contact the Cooper Law Firm for assistance with truck accident damage recovery.
Cooper Law Firm
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2222
Longview, TX 75606
Physical Address: 501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone ; (903) 297-0037
Toll-Free: 1-855-297-HURT (4878)
Facsimile: (903) 236-0035
