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Potential responsibility in 18-wheeler accidents

On Behalf of | Jan 5, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries |

You were involved in an accident with a semi-truck and two other vehicles. After going home from the hospital, you learned that the truck driver had been driving for longer than federal law allows.

You plan to file a lawsuit — but it will be complex. Other vehicles were also hit, meaning the investigation is still ongoing.

Commercial truck drivers have more responsibility on the road

Because of the size of their trucks, commercial truck drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license. They are also required to obey state and federal rules that drivers of personal vehicles do not have to follow.

Semi-truck drivers are supposed to be more responsible on the road. They are required to stay up to date with truck maintenance; federal law also requires these truck drivers to drive only a certain number of hours per day.

Additionally, the unique features of 18-wheelers could have contributed to the accident. Commercial trucks have certain characteristics that can make them dangerous in a collision, such as their size, their weight or the cargo they carry.

While the truck driver might not be at fault, others could be

Other individuals or companies might be responsible for the collision that you experienced with the 18-wheeler. The other private vehicle drivers may not have caused the collision. Instead, the company could be ignoring the federal regulation limiting the number of hours their drivers are behind the wheel.

As you consider filing a lawsuit against the trucking company, remember that the company was supposed to ensure that their driver was alert enough to drive. Their failure to do so could become the focus of your lawsuit.

 

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