Morris County Truck Accident Lawyers
Holding truck drivers accountable for serious accidents
When a motor vehicle accident involves a large truck, such as a tractor-trailer, the consequences are generally quite serious. In the majority of fatal truck accident claims, passengers in other vehicles are the ones who lose their lives. Since trucks often weigh up to 30 times more than standard motor vehicles, a car is no match for a large truck in an accident. At Leonard Legal Group, LLC, our Morris County truck accident attorneys have pursued a number of claims against truck drivers and the companies that employ them. We have obtained impressive settlements and verdicts for our clients injured in truck accidents.
Truck drivers must follow federal regulations
There are many federal regulations that govern truck drivers as they drive across the country. If a truck driver does not follow these regulations and causes an accident, both the truck driver and the trucking company may be liable for damages.
One regulation is the hours of service rule. Truck drivers are required to take breaks after driving certain periods of time. Generally, truck drivers have a 14-hour window during which they may drive no more than 11 hours.
Additionally, truck drivers may be limited to driving no more than 60 hours in a 7-day period, or 70 hours in an 8-day period.
Truck drivers are also required to use logbooks that note where they have traveled and how many miles have been driven. These logbooks are often used in truck accident claims to determine how long a truck driver has been on the road.
Truck drivers work long hours and are often fatigued
More than 70 percent of all commercial goods are transported by trucks in the United States. It is estimated that there are at least 15 million commercial trucks on the road every year. In a survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, researchers concluded truck drivers who are overworked and overtired are responsible for the majority of truck accidents.
Other factors that may contribute to truck accidents include:
- Speeding
- Traffic violations
- Feeling pressure to make deliveries on time
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Improperly stored cargo
- Mechanical failures
- Inexperience
Of course, a number of other factors may also contribute to a trucking accident.
Trucking company liability
Trucking companies may also face liability if a driver they have employed causes an accident. This is especially the case if the trucking company has been put on notice that an accident may occur. For example, if a truck driver has repeatedly reported mechanical issues with a truck to the company and they have not been resolved, the trucking company may be responsible for damages if the mechanical issue leads to an accident. Similarly, if a trucking company hires drivers with poor driving records or continues to allow them to drive after causing accidents, the company may face liability.
Contact our experienced Morris County truck accident lawyers today to discuss your truck accident case
At Leonard Legal Group, we understand being involved in a truck accident is traumatic. Our Morris County truck accident attorneys help you through the complicated legal process so you can heal. To schedule your free consultation with our truck accident attorneys to learn more about your legal options, call 973-984-1414 or contact us online.