The Pellerin Law Firm represents clients who were involved in trucking accidents.
Approximately 5,000 people are killed every year in severe trucking accidents. The Houston area is a hub of trucking activity, and as the trucking industry thrives in Texas, more trucking accidents are occurring. Injuries in trucking accidents are often more extreme than passenger vehicle accidents as a result of the large size of trucks. Victims are often overwhelmed at the prospect of taking on a large trucking company when a trucking accident occurs. We can help.
Truck driving regulations
Since trucking companies often offer incentives such as paying by the mile or paying more for a driver reaching a destination at a certain time, truckers are often driving long hours. In 2014 new regulations were developed to help keep truck drivers and motorists safe.
- Truck drivers can have a maximum of 14 hours on duty and must have a minimum rest period of 10 hours.
- Drivers can have a maximum of 11 hours driving with a minimum of 10 hours of rest.
- Truck drivers have a limit of 70 hours total per week with a minimum of 34 hours of rest.
What causes trucking accidents?
Some drivers refuse to follow the federal trucking guidelines, and in addition to fatigue caused by driving, there are plenty of other causes of truck driving accidents. Here are just a few causes of truck accidents that the Pellerin Law Firm has experience with:
- Not properly maintaining the vehicle
- Driving recklessly
- Distracted driving
- Not following traffic signals and laws
- Poor training
- Intoxicated truck drivers
- Violating weight permits
Evidence in a serious truck accident
The truck accident law firm you choose to represent you should have extensive experience in investigating truck driver fatigue as well as violations of the federal regulations. Some important evidence that can be used in truck driving cases include the following:
- Logbooks
- Computer data
- Black box
- Poor training
- Tractor-trailer inspection
- Documents that evidence the load and deliveries
Trucks in unsafe condition
Trucking companies are responsible to make sure that their trucks are in safe and proper operating condition. Drivers are required to inspect their tractor-trailers daily, and they must also check their loads to make sure that they are properly secured. Truck drivers must also inspect their truck at the beginning of every trip. Here are the types of dangerous and unsafe equipment that can cause trucking accidents:
- Air lines and compressor
- Fuel system
- Brakes
- Steering
- Lights
- Wheels and tires
- Axles
Potential types of accidents and causes
Poor training, distracted driving and violations of the driving regulations can cause trucking accidents. Here are some types and causes of trucking accidents that the Pellerin Law Firm has represented:
- Truck rollover accidents
- Underride accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Tire blowout accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Lost load accidents
- Wrecks caused by poor maintenance
- Negligent trucking companies
Start your investigation early
Early inspection of the accident scene, the condition of the truck, driver logs and more are critical in truck driving accident cases. The Pellerin Law Firm is experienced in truck accident litigation. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to discuss your truck accident case.