If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident in St. George, Utah, Truman & Radford is a truck accident law firm that may be able to help you. Prior to 2019, the trucking industry was an $800 billion a year industry, according to Business Insider. Although the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the truck industry, truck companies continue to show signs of being in high demand. After all, we rely on truck drivers and truck companies to deliver our food, our medical supplies, and our necessities. The trucking industry is required to abide by strict federal trucking regulations that govern everything from how long a truck driver can be behind the wheel to the weight the truck is allowed to carry to the maintenance schedule the truck company must follow.
Truck accident claims can be more complicated than car accident claims. Why? Truck accidents are often more serious, resulting in more serious injuries. Victims and their families may be facing serious disability, significant medical and rehabilitation costs, and other losses. Truck companies are also required to follow federal trucking regulations that govern hours of service laws and other regulations. When truck companies cut corners or fail to follow the rules, they can be held accountable for accidents. Truck companies are also required to hold high limit insurance policies because of the risk trucks pose on the road. When individuals have been hurt in a truck accident, they may have the ability to seek damages from these insurance companies. Insurance companies are more likely to push back when claims are significant, and they may want far more documentation to support such claims. Finally, truck accidents can sometimes involve more than one stakeholder or party. Truck drivers may be just one party responsible in an accident if the truck company, truck repair personnel, or loading personnel or companies may also be to blame.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident in St. George, Utah, you may have more questions than answers. Fortunately, you are not alone. The truck accident lawyers at Truman & Radford in St. George, Utah may be able to help you with every step of your truck accident claim. Contact our truck accident attorneys today to learn more. CONTACT US TODAY or CALL 435-652-9000
Is the Truck Company to Blame for My Truck Accident?
Many factors go into determining who is to blame for a truck accident. Sometimes the cause of the accident may appear simple, but in fact, be more complex. For example, if a truck driver broke the rules of the road, this may be only one factor in the accident. If the truck driver also failed to follow federal hours of service laws or if the truck was dangerously overweight, this could also be a factor in the crash. Truman & Radford are truck accident attorneys in St. George, Utah that can review the details of your case and determine whether the truck driver or truck company was to blame for your crash. If the truck driver was to blame, you and your family may be entitled to seek damages for your losses. Here are some factors that play a role in some truck accidents:
- Violation of Federal Hours of Service Rules. Federal law restricts how long a driver can be on the road. Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. The truck accident lawyers at Truman & Radford can review trucking logs, shipping schedules, and other evidence to determine whether a driver may have been fatigued while on the road.
- Overweight Truck. Truck companies must load their trucks in accordance with federal law and in accordance with the weight the truck is designed to hold. When trucks are improperly loaded, accidents can happen. Trucks can tip over or brakes can fail.
- Failure to Maintain the Truck. Maintenance is incredibly important in any vehicle, but especially so in a heavy truck. Truck companies are required to perform regular maintenance on their vehicles. They are required to check tires, check engines, and check brakes. Failure to perform proper maintenance can result in accidents due to equipment failure. When this happens, the truck company and repair company can be held responsible for the crash.
- Driver was Under the Influence. It might sound hard to believe, but many truck drivers are found to be under the influence every year. In the aftermath of an accident, police may test a truck driver for drugs or alcohol. Sometimes drivers are even on prescription medication that can impact their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
- Driver Has Medical Condition that Renders Him or Her Unfit to Drive. Drivers are required to pass regular medical exams. Sometimes issues arise before the exam is required. When drivers fail to speak up or when companies fail to vet drivers for these issues, accidents can happen.
- Failure of the Truck Company to Vet Drivers. Truck companies have a responsibility to hire the best drivers possible. Drivers with a record of bad driving or with a history of drug or alcohol use could pose a serious risk to the company and to drivers on the road. Truck companies have a responsibility to perform due diligence before hiring drivers and have a responsibility to fire drivers who have a poor driving record.
These are just some issues that can arise in truck accident claims. Truman & Radford is a truck accident law firm in St. George, Utah that can help you with your case if you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident. We are here to help you navigate the various issues that can arise in the aftermath of a truck crash. CONTACT US TODAY or CALL 435-652-9000
