Truck Accident and Laws

Answer 1

A truck accident differs from a regular auto accident in two major ways. First, the size and speed of commercial trucks normally cause devastating injuries or death. Second, there are specific liability laws that apply to commercial and tractor trucks.

It takes a team of experts to investigate a severe truck accident. The accident reconstruction specialist can determine the sequence of events that led to the accident. Another expert is called a human factors expert. This person can give an accurate description of the driver's actions prior to the accident. They are trained to determine what a reasonable person would have done in similar circumstances. The expert mechanic can give an account of the condition of the truck prior to the truck accident. They can determine if mechanical issues led to the accident.

In contrast to regular automobiles, the trucking industry is highly governed by Federal Laws and regulations. The legislation in the trucking industry mandates certain standards that must be met by the company, driver, and owner. Laws also determine who is liable for the truck accident. The Code of Federal Regulations has the majority of the rules and laws that govern the truck industry. Specifically, Title 49 has the bulk of the governing regulations that apply to this industry. There are several federal agencies that regulate this industry. The Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are two of the federal agencies that govern the trucking industry.

Furthermore, each state is responsible for regulating the height, weight, and width of each truck. The truck can not exceed these maximum limits without there being some penalty imposed on the owner of the truck. Fines and other stiff penalties can be used to punish those who violate these restrictions. In a truck accident, the major factor affecting liability is driver negligence. If the driver failed to exercise reasonable caution while operating the vehicle, the law deems the truck driver negligent.

Federal and state laws also regulate the number of hours that a driver can drive a truck. A driver must rest for a certain period of time before resuming driving. If it can be proven that the driver did not follow these guidelines, the driver and company can be penalized for negligence.

In conclusion, it is important to understand the specific laws that relate to a truck accident. These laws vary considerably from other vehicular laws. Learning the rules and guidelines can assist a person in knowing what their rights are when involved in a truck accident. It is also advisable to consult a professional regarding specific laws and regulations.