The Truck Accident Law Firm Blog

In recent years trains have been used less for transporting goods and trucks have been used more. Everyone has probably noticed the increase of these thundering big rigs on our roads and highways.

When a passenger car or motorcycle is in an accident with an 18-wheeler, it’s clear who has the advantage. Big trucks can run right over many small automobiles without the truck driver even realizing it. The disparity in size and weight is in the thousands of pounds, as the typical passenger vehicle weighs two to three tons (something over 4,000 pounds) whereas a big rig can weigh up to 40 tons (80,000 pounds).

Trucking Regulations

The trucking industry is highly regulated, making for a complex maze of rules and requirements. A few examples of aspects of trucking which are regulated:

· Noise emission

· Drug and alcohol use and testing

· Handling of hazardous materials

· Financial responsibilities of trucking companies

· Driver qualifications

· Driving hours

· Truck inspection, maintenance and repair

· Load safety

In spite of all the regulations, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that more than 400,000 of these big trucks are involved each year in accidents.

Driver Fatigue

A large contributing factor to truck accidents is the tight delivery schedules that truck drivers are asked to meet. If something delays the trucker such as bad weather, traffic congestion or a problem with his load, he must drive faster to meet his deadline.

Although the number of consecutive hours spent driving is regulated, truckers typically work long hours. Each driver keeps a log of driving hours and rest time, but the entries can be falsified.

To deal with that possibility, some trucks are outfitted with digital communication systems which keep the driver in touch with his head office. Some are monitored by the trucking office through a GPS system. Some newer trucks have two drivers and a living area like an RV behind the driving cabin. One driver can sleep or eat while the other drives.

But most truck drivers are alone and can often become overtired and stressed from long driving hours and late deliveries. This makes for less careful driving and increased danger for vehicles in the vicinity.

If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, it’s imperative you contact an aggressive truck accident lawyer immediately so that he/she may hear the details of your case and advise you on how to proceed.