The trucking industry is integral to our nation’s economy as big rigs transport goods across the United States. While trucks have emerged as a vital aspect of our economy, these vehicles present a significant disparity in terms of their size and weight when compared to other modes of transportation. This discrepancy causes truck accidents to be particularly devastating. Therefore, strict state and federal regulations have been designed to prevent truck accidents. However, despite these trucking regulations, collisions can still occur due to negligence. If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of a driver or a trucking company, contact a determined Chesterfield County Auto Accident Lawyer who can help you fight for the just compensation you deserve. Please continue reading to learn how violations of trucking regulations can impact your accident claim.
What are some of the most important trucking regulations in South Carolina?
One of the most common violations in the trucking industry involves hours of service rules. Truck drivers operate under constricted schedules. This often causes significant pressure to deliver cargo shipments within specific timeframes. Consequently, they frequently exceed their limits, striving to meet their deadlines. Sadly, this leads to driver fatigue. Driving a big rig for several hours without taking breaks reduces the driver’s critical capabilities needed to drive safely. Therefore, to minimize the risks of drowsy driving, per federal regulations, drivers can only operate for eleven hours a day and take a break of no less than thirty-four hours when driving during a six-to-eight-day window. Additionally, they cannot be on the road for more than eight hours without taking a 30-minute break.
Federal regulations also require drivers to be trained to operate commercial vehicles. However, many trucking companies neglect this requirement. Instead, they hire inexperienced drivers without the proper qualifications. Driving large trucks poses a more significant challenge compared to other types of vehicles and, as such, demands specialized training. Failing to train a driver properly can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Furthermore, drivers and trucking companies are required to perform routine inspections and maintenance. They must thoroughly inspect vehicles to ensure no issues must be repaired before heading back on the road. Commercial trucks are built with more moving parts than other vehicles. This means more parts can fail and lead to a collision if they are not remedied. Therefore, regular maintenance inspections are required to prevent collisions.
How can it impact my accident claim?
If state or federal regulations are not adhered to, and an accident occurs, violations can be used to prove that a driver or their employer’s negligence was the direct cause of the collision. When governmental regulations are broken, it demonstrates negligence. Nonetheless, proving that a driver or trucking company failed to comply with the safety standards that govern the trucking industry can be challenging. As such, it is in your best interest to contact a skilled Chesterfield auto accident lawyer who can help you investigate the collision’s circumstances and collect evidence proving they violated trucking regulations.
If you or a loved one were injured due to the negligence of a driver or a trucking company, contact the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C., as soon as possible. Our firm is prepared to help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Allow our legal team to represent your interests to maximize your chances of recovering monetary compensation for your damages.
