Truck Accident Lawyers in Palm Springs, California
The trucking industry is big business in America. According to Logistics Management, the trucking industry made $700.4 billion in 2014 alone. Despite making this kind of money, individuals continue to be injured in truck accidents every year. Truck accidents are the result of many factors, some ranging from mistakes made by truck drivers to failure of truck companies to properly maintain their vehicles. While most truck drivers are hard-working individuals who make an effort to get our goods delivered on time, some truck companies cut corners by failing to properly maintain vehicles and some truck drivers, under pressure by truck companies, may fail to abide by federal laws. When truck companies and drivers disobey the law, the people who most often suffer are innocent drivers on the road. Trucks can weigh as much as 30 times more than the typical passenger vehicle. When an accident occurs, the people most likely to be injured are those riding in passenger vehicles.
If you’ve been hurt in Palm Springs, California, the Ledger Law Firm are truck accident lawyers who may be able to help. Our firm understands the nuances of truck law and can hold drivers and companies accountable when they violate these laws. You may only have a limited amount of time to pursue a claim against a truck company after a crash. Speak to the Ledger Law Firm today.
What Laws Must Truck Companies Follow?
Truck companies are required to abide by strict federal and local laws in order to operate. These laws are designed to protect both truckers and passengers in other vehicles. However, sometimes drivers break these laws. What are these laws, and how can you know if any of these laws was violated in your truck accident?
- Federal hours of service laws. Truck drivers are required to limit their work days to 11 hour shifts. When drivers fail to obey these laws, they could end up driving while tired. Some research suggests that fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Truck drivers are required to keep logs of their hours, but sometimes drivers violate the laws and falsify logs. However, a qualified truck accident lawyer like the Ledger Law Firm in Palm Springs, California can review your driver’s logs and shipping schedules. Sometimes discrepancies between these two documents can reveal violations.
- Weight limits. Trucks must abide by weight limits. When truck companies violate these laws, the truck could be more dangerous on the road. For example, the truck could be at greater risk of tipping over. Or, the truck’s brakes can be more at risk of failing. Logs of shipments and deliveries might be able to allow your truck accident attorney to estimate the weights a truck may have been carrying.
- Medical requirements. Truck drivers are required to abide by medical requirements. When truck drivers fail to receive regular medical screenings, or when they take certain kinds of medications, they could be at risk of being in a crash. Certain types of medical conditions and prescription drugs can impact a driver’s safety and level of alertness. A truck accident lawyer can review your driver’s medical history and review police reports to determine whether your driver may have been under the influence of drugs while driving.
- Trucks must be regularly maintained. Brake failure happens. Truck tires blow. When these failures occur, innocent drivers on the road can be injured. A runaway truck could crash into other cars. When a tire blows, a truck driver may lose control of his or her vehicle. A truck accident lawyer can review the police reports and speak to experts to determine whether mechanical failure may have played a role in the crash.
Many factors can contribute to a truck crash and many accidents are the result of human error. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash, consider speaking to the Ledger Law Firm, truck accident attorneys in Palm Springs, California. Our firm can take the time to investigate your case and help you understand why your accident occurred. If a truck driver or company was responsible, our firm may be able to help you seek damages to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Seek Justice Today
When truck companies break the law, innocent people can get hurt. Truck companies may have teams of lawyers on their side protecting their interests. You need a lawyer on yours protecting your rights. In the aftermath of a crash, you may be entitled to seek damages to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, it is important to act soon because you may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim. The Ledger Law Firm are truck accident lawyers in Palm Springs, California who can fight for your rights.