Cumming Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents happen every day across the state, including in Forsyth County. Several highways around Cumming are traveled every day by semi trucks. When a truck accident impacts you or your family, getting legal support is crucial.
The most difficult part of a truck crash is the severity of the injuries that can result. Even when there is no direct impact between a truck and another vehicle, tragedy can strike.
For example, there are many situations in which other drivers or passengers have been either fatally or seriously hurt when a piece of debris is kicked up by, or comes off, the truck.
At Scholle Law, our attorneys have over 25 years of experience representing victims of truck wrecks. Our team is able to support you in your legal rights after an accident that causes injury. When the insurance company tries to deny your claim or minimize the compensation you are owed, we will take them on and fight for every penny you are rightfully owed.
Give us a call at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Cumming truck accident lawyer today.
Rules and Regulations Truckers Must Follow
The majority of truck accidents occur due to trucker error. This includes making improper maneuvers, driving drowsy or distracted, speeding, and more. Accidents may also occur or be more severe if there are mechanical issues. In an effort to reduce the number and severity of semi truck wrecks, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has outlined a number of regulations that truck drivers and companies must follow.
First, The trucks are supposed to be inspected regularly to ensure that its safety features are functional. It is also critically important that key parts of the truck are secure and not loose. For example, trucks are supposed to have underride accident prevention equipment on them. This is intended to keep smaller vehicles from ending up under the truck in the case of a collision.
The underride guard is a type of bumper that hangs from the back of a truck or on the side of a truck. This metal guard is there to protect a smaller vehicle from sliding under the big rig. If the underride guard is missing or damaged, a truck accident can more easily become deadly.
Hours of service regulations (that often go ignored)
Truck drivers are only allowed to drive for a certain number of hours before they must take a break. These rules are called “hours of service regulations.” Truckers transporting goods may drive a maximum of 11 hours after they take a 10-hour break.
Along the same vein, truckers may only be on duty for 14 hours before they must take a 10-hour break. “On duty” includes driving, loading, unloading, and other activities for which the driver is paid.
If a trucker has driven for eight total hours without a 30-minute break, they must stop driving for 30 consecutive minutes. During this time, they may be on duty but not driving or completely off duty.
They may not drive more than 60 hours in a seven-day period or more than 70 hours in an eight-day period. The clock resets after the driver has been off duty for 34 consecutive hours.
There are more regulations about driving time and breaks, but what is most important to know is that trucking companies often encourage their drivers to ignore these rules in order to meet deadlines. When truckers do drive more than is allowed, they put everyone else on the road at risk.
Speak to a Cumming Truck Accident Attorney Today
Truck accidents can result in highly complex legal proceedings. Depending on the circumstances of the wreck, the driver, trucking company, truck owner, maintenance provider, or other party may be held liable. In some cases, multiple parties may be named in a lawsuit.
At Scholle Law, our attorneys have over 25 years of experience representing victims of truck wrecks in Forsyth County. Our team is able to support you in your legal rights after an accident that causes injury. When the insurance company tries to deny your claim or minimize the compensation you are owed, we will take them on and fight for every penny you are rightfully owed.
Give us a call at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Cumming truck accident lawyer today.