Trucks designed for commercial transportation haul cargo across the country and are significantly bigger and heavier than standard cars. Therefore, when a truck collides with a car, the car and its occupants could suffer the worst of the impact, potentially resulting in devastating and lifelong injuries. As a result, commercial truck drivers have a great responsibility to operate their vehicles safely.
If you or a loved one have been hurt by an irresponsible truck driver, a Sarasota truck accident lawyer could guide you through your legal options. You may be eligible to recover financial compensation for your injuries, and our team of experienced injury attorneys at the Law Office of Joshua H. Rosen could help.
A truck’s larger size means its drivers must have significant skills and awareness to operate them safely. That is why driver errors—such as speeding, making unsafe lane changes, driving while fatigued, and using cell phones while behind the wheel—are a leading cause of truck crashes.
The dangers of driver errors have led to federal regulations specific to commercial truckers and other operators of large vehicles. These rules include a strict prohibition on using a cell phone to send or receive text messages while the vehicle is in motion, though drivers may use hands-free alternatives. Drivers also need a chance to rest and sleep to avoid fatigue, so they are only allowed to drive for up to 14 hours a day.
The commercial transportation industry consists of many integrated parts beyond just the drivers, and any of those additional components could be the cause of an accident. For instance, the loading crew must ensure the cargo is securely fastened to prevent the goods from coming loose and spilling out on the highway during transit.
Big rigs spend hours on the road hauling heavy cargo across long distances, resulting in significant wear and tear on the truck’s mechanical parts. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure that everything is in good working condition and is repaired or replaced when necessary. A worn-down wheel axle could lead to a tire breaking loose and rolling into another vehicle.
With all the moving parts involved, it may be challenging to determine who was at fault for causing an accident. A careful review of the facts, witness statements, and interviews with everyone involved in the truck’s operation is essential to understanding the cause. After a big rig collision in Sarasota, a seasoned attorney from our law office could help you determine what caused the accident.
Since many accidents result from driver error, the responsible party could be the truck driver. This is particularly true if they were violating a federal regulation or a traffic law or driving unsafely before the crash.
The truck company could also be partially responsible. The federal regulations regarding a truck driver’s maximum working time require their employer to allow time for adequate rest. Similarly, the maintenance crews at the truck company are responsible for maintaining the vehicles.
You may be able to recover financial compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled Sarasota 18-wheeler accident lawyer could help you seek the comprehensive compensation you need after a wreck with a large semi-truck.
Large semi-trailers could cause devastating damage if they hit a smaller car. If you have been hurt, a Sarasota truck accident lawyer could help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Every case is different, and a well-practiced attorney could provide guidance about your legal rights and options. Call our team at the Law Office of Joshua H. Rosen to discuss your case.
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