Do different laws apply to truck accidents?

Truck accidents are one of the major causes of fatal accidents on the road. They create a great deal of damage compared to other traffic accidents because they can weigh thousands of pounds. Truck drivers must pay attention to company policy and traffic laws and carry a greater responsibility while transporting goods. The laws applied to truck accidents are not the same as common car accidents because truckers must abide by additional laws. In addition to traffic laws, trucks must take special care because of the size and weight of their vehicle. They may be breaking laws that don’t apply to passenger vehicle drivers. If you are unsure about whether you are liable for damages after a recent accident, seek help from truck accident lawyers who can direct you.

For example, truck drivers have a time limit for operating on the road in California. They have a 14-hour working day but are restricted to driving only for 11 hours. They have to take breaks within their workday. In addition, after their day ends, they have to rest for ten consecutive hours. This helps prevent drowsy driving, which can lead to distracted driving, negligence, and serious accidents. While truck drivers might only sustain minor injuries like sprains, other road users could face life-altering consequences. Moreover, according to an expert California accident lawyer, such injuries are typically covered under compensation laws. Furthermore, California follows a comparative Fault law wherein you can claim for your losses even if you have a part to lay in the accident. However, the amount will decrease based on the fault percentage. These include economic, emotional, medical, and even loss of wages.

How Do Laws Apply To Truck Accidents?

Truck drivers have different rules that apply to them that passenger vehicle drivers don’t have to abide by.  In some cases, a car crash victim may be treated the same as a truck accident victim. However, the evidence proving that a truck driver is at fault can differ between an at-fault car driver and an at-fault truck driver.  For example, truckers must drive slower than the maximum speed limit to help keep nearby car drivers safe and prevent life-threatening accidents. Truck drivers also must take regularly scheduled breaks according to FMCSA rules and enter in their logbook when these breaks occur. Throughout the year, truck drivers have to get their vehicles regularly inspected. When their truck fails inspection, the vehicle has to be worked on before leaving their station. The level of requirements for a truck to pass an inspection are far more strict compared to a car since a truck is a more sophisticated and larger vehicle. Additionally, the truck must be loaded properly before it leaves a warehouse. This is something that car drivers don’t need to worry about.

What If The Truck Driver Broke A Law?

A truck driver that breaks traffic laws can put their career at stake. For a truck driver that abuses a substance and gets caught, they may be fired and be unable to be hired at another trucking company. For a driver that abused a substance, they may have their license suspended but still be able to use public transportation to get to work. A truck driver’s performance on the road is related to their line of work, which is why it is even more important for them to pay attention when operating their vehicle.

How Is A Truck Driver Negligent?

Whenever a truck driver breaks a traffic law by aggressive driving, is too intoxicated or tired to operate their vehicle, or is distracted while driving, they can be considered negligent and liable for causing an accident. They should be fully capable of focusing on the road and have the better judgment to prevent them from making mistakes. If the accident wasn’t caused by a manufacturer’s error or road defects, it will be the truck driver’s fault for causing the accident.

What Other Laws Apply To Truck Drivers?

You can speak to a truck accident lawyer to learn more about how truck drivers have different laws that apply to them. Ask a knowledgeable attorney about your truck accident case.