We've all been there. Squeezed in between two eighteen wheelers on the interstate, having
to maneuver our cars to avoid being hit by a turning tractor-trailer, coming down the
on-ramp, and seeing the eighteen wheeler in the only lane you can merge into, with just a
few feet left to go.
Usually, either we're able or they're able to avoid the accident. But, sometimes, accidents
happen, and when eighteen wheelers and tractor-trailers and buses are involved in accidents,
the results are often times catastrophic.
That stands to reason. Those weigh stations you see on the side of the interstate serve a
purpose. The sheer size of a tractor-trailer makes it inherently more dangerous than your
vehicle. Every year, thousands of people die as a result of trucking related accidents. Every
year, even more are seriously injured as a result of these accidents.
The trucking industry is subject to federal regulations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations, which are intended to protect motorists. Some of the most important
regulations include:
* Monitoring a truck driver's driving record, at least once per year
* Educating truck driver's and loading personnel about regulations
* Time in service rules (limits the time a truck driver can be behind the wheel)
* Scheduling loads with enough time to safely deliver the contents of the trailer
* Inspecting and maintaining the tractor-trailer, including brakes, steering
mechanisms, lights and reflector lights, mirrors, tires and even the horn
Failure by truck drivers and trucking companies to abide by these regulations often leads to
serious accidents, with serious injuries for the victim.
Time is of the essence in these instances. From the moment a truck is involved in such an
accident, the trucking company and their insurance company are working to build a defense.
Valuable evidence can be lost, and your claim may be damaged as a result. While you are in
the hospital, they are gathering evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, talking with their
attorneys and investigators, and maybe even trying to settle with you before you retain your
own attorney.
If you are the victim of a trucking accident, contact the Neyland Law Firm at 601.605.2889,
for a free initial consultation.
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