HELPING BAY AREA VICTIMS OF COMMERCIAL TRUCKING ACCIDENTS
Trucking is a part of life in the Bay Area, especially because San Francisco is a major port for the United States and Northern California. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, compared to other vehicles on the road, means that injuries and damage arising out of trucking accidents are often very severe. Fortunately, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has set out some pretty distinct safety regulations to help minimize the amount of truck accidents that take place on the road.
A SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT TRUCKING REGULATIONS
The main regulations drivers should know include:
Hours-of-service rules:Â Under these rules, certain truckers are limited to driving a maximum of 11 hours and working only 14 hours a day. Further, drivers must have 10 consecutive hours of rest before they are allowed to get behind the wheel again.
Maintenance and repair standards:Â This rule mandates that truckers maintain extensive vehicle maintenance and undergo vehicle repairs before driving on any roadway.
Weight limits:Â This rule limits the amount of weight cargo trucks can haul. Trucks can have a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds.
Alcohol and drug testing:Â Strict drug or alcohol testing is required for all CMV drivers. It is illegal for a driver to operate a vehicle with a BAC of .04 or above.
However, despite such hefty regulations to improve roadway safety, CMV drivers often violate these rules, causing major injuries to others on the roads.
At The Law Office of Scott Righthand, P.C., our attorneys help injured parties recover compensation for injuries sustained from such negligent actions. We understand that truck accidents necessitate entirely unique fact findings and discoveries, beginning with truck ownership, employee-contractor status, negligent hiring, logbook infractions, sleep deprivation, drug issues and similarly directed inquiries.
RECONSTRUCTING ACCIDENTS SCENES
Although certain principles apply in reconstructing motor vehicle accidents, the reconstruction of trucking accidents requires its own expertise. Injuries from these accidents can be catastrophic.
At our law office, we have litigated trucking accidents leading to injuries as severe as paralysis, paraplegia, quadriplegia and death. We possess the medical knowledge and experience necessary to retain the proper experts in areas of spinal cord injury, brain injury and even life planning for seriously injured victims.
Thoroughly document the truck accident scene by photographing vehicles, license plates, company markings, cargo, road conditions and debris. Collect details regarding the truck driver’s license, company and insurance, as multiple policies may be involved. Get witness contact information and note the driver’s behavior if safe to do so, and obtain the police report for regulatory and fault details. Witness accounts and thorough evidence are essential for your claim.
Determining fault in truck accident cases requires significant investigation and knowledge of federal trucking regulations. An attorney can review the truck driver’s logbooks, vehicle maintenance records and the truck’s weight and cargo loading to identify possible violations of applicable federal regulations.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration violations can greatly strengthen your trucking accident claim, as such violations can often prove negligent conduct. Our firm investigates all possible regulatory violations and works with experts who know federal standards. Proving these violations is often key to a successful claim and substantial compensation.
Truck accident claims usually involve multiple insurance policies and legal teams trained to minimize payouts. A truck accident lawyer handles communications with these companies so you do not accidentally make statements that could be used against you. Lawyers also know the real value of your claim, taking into account present and future damages and advocating for your fullest compensation.
Truck accident cases often require more investigation than ordinary car accident claims because of their complexity and the severity of injuries. The legal process for truck accident cases involves preserving evidence, consulting experts and conducting thorough investigations to determine the cause and damages. Attorneys review key documents and negotiate with insurance companies for fair settlements. If negotiations fail, the case may go to trial, though many settle beforehand.
Call our firm today to speak with us about your accident and potential compensation available. At The Law Office of Scott Righthand, P.C., we will pursue the best possible outcome for you and your situation. Email us or give us a call to schedule your free case evaluation.
Scott Righthand and his team have been impressive since the inception of our suit. Their knowledge of the law and courts is encyclopedic. Their compassion...
Mr. Righthand represented us successfully in a wrongful injury dispute. His knowledge of the various processes and possible outcomes was impressive. He and his staff...
Amazing!! I felt so comfortable and secure during the whole process! Thank you for helping us through a difficult time, and changing our lives forever!
Scott and his associates are top-notch. We won our case because he was incredibly thorough and honest. I would highly recommend working with this team...
Beyond our accolades, we believe it is our compassion that truly sets us apart. When you come to our firm, you
can be confident knowing that we truly care about what you’re facing and will do whatever it takes to
secure a successful outcome.
Beyond our accolades, we believe it is our compassion that truly sets us apart. When you come to our firm, you
can be confident knowing that we truly care about what you’re facing and will do whatever it takes to
secure a successful outcome.