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Heavy commercial vehicles, such as 18-wheelers, transport goods throughout the country and in this state 24 hours a day. While the trucking industry is essential, accidents with massive vehicles are often severe. Therefore, federal and state laws strictly regulate the industry to prevent accidents and keep the roadways safe for all motorists.
When a truck operator’s or their employer’s negligence causes others harm, injured parties should contact a Sun Valley truck accident lawyer to help them pursue compensation. Consult a dedicated personal injury attorney if you have questions or need help with a case.
The substantial difference in weight, height, and length between 18-wheelers and passenger cars often leads to life-threatening or fatal injuries when crashes occur. Unfortunately, injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, back and spinal cord damage, and wrongful death are relatively common.
There are various causes of tractor-trailer collisions, and they happen for many reasons, including:
Studies show that fatigued truck drivers are more likely to deviate from lanes and make other errors. Therefore, regulations limit the hours they may operate the vehicles; failing to comply can lead to harsh penalties. An attorney in Sun Valley attorney experienced with truck crash cases could answer specific questions and help calculate the estimated settlement amount.
Truckers have stressful jobs. They are constantly under strict deadlines, and operating the massive vehicles is challenging even in the best circumstances. Therefore, federal and state laws limit the hours they may drive in shifts and throughout the workweek.
Commercial truck operators must drive within 14-hour windows for each shift and can only operate 18-wheelers for a total of 11 hours. They must remain off duty for at least 10 hours before clocking on for duty for the next shift.
The maximum driving time is 60 hours when they work seven days and 70 hours for eight-day workweeks. Truckers must remain off duty for at least 34 hours to reset and begin the following week.
There are a few exceptions to the rule, including for short-haul drivers, inclement weather, and the sleeper berth provision. According to the California Highway Patrol, short-haul drivers may operate the vehicles for a maximum of 14 hours. When truckers must pull over for poor weather, they may increase the driving time by two hours.
Finally, those with sleeper berths may split their time off duty in half but must remain off duty for at least two hours each time. An accident lawyer in Sun Valley understands the industry and could help collect the right records to review and determine compliance with federal and state trucking rules and safety regulations.
Heavy commercial vehicles are essential for transporting goods, hazardous materials, and the economy’s health. Even so, the massive difference in size and weight can make crashes with passenger cars severe and, in many cases, deadly. Truckers and their employers must ensure compliance with traffic safety rules and regulations.
When they fail to comply, and collisions happen, they must pay for the consequences of their thoughtless actions. You have the right to seek compensation to cover your damages and losses after a crash caused by negligence. Schedule an appointment with a Sun Valley truck accident lawyer this week to review your case and options.
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