Every day, truck drivers get behind the wheel and take to America’s highways. The life of a truck driver is not an easy one, but it is a vital one for our economy. With the increase in online shopping, the demand for truck drivers has never been higher. As with any profession, however, there are risks associated with truck driving. If you are injured in a truck accident, it is important to know what your rights are and how to protect them. In this blog post, we with our friend commercial truck repair Dieseltech will dispel some of the myths about trucking injury claims and discuss the most common violations committed by commercial truck drivers.
The Top Ten Most Common Trucking Violations
It is important to understand the most common violations of trucking regulations. Knowing these violations will help you determine if your injury was due to negligence on the part of a truck driver. The ten most common trucking violations are:
- Driving without a proper license or certification
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Failing to follow hours of service regulations
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to properly secure cargo
- Overloaded vehicles
- Unsafe lane changes or improper turns
- Ignoring traffic signals and signs
- Texting or using a cell phone while driving.
The Ten Myths About Trucking Injury Claims
When it comes to trucking injury claims, there are some common myths that can be dispelled. Here are three of the most prominent:
- Myth: It is easy to win a claim against a truck driver.
Fact: Winning a claim against a truck driver is difficult and requires an experienced attorney with knowledge of the laws pertaining to commercial vehicles. - Myth: All trucking companies are responsible for accidents caused by their drivers.
Fact: Not all trucking companies are liable in cases where their driver is at fault. Depending on the circumstances, other parties such as the driver or a third-party vehicle may be responsible. - Myth: You can’t make a claim if you were partially at fault for the accident.
Fact: Depending on the state in which the accident occurred, it is possible to obtain compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, the amount of compensation you are eligible for may be reduced due to your degree of responsibility. - Myth: You don’t need an attorney if you are injured in a truck accident.
Fact: An experienced attorney is essential for obtaining the maximum amount of compensation from your injury claim. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and provide legal advice during the process. - Myth: All trucking accidents result in serious injuries.
Fact: Not all trucking accidents result in serious injuries. Minor injuries or property damage can also be compensated for under certain circumstances. - Myth: Insurance companies always offer fair compensation for trucking accidents.
Fact: Insurance companies are not obligated to provide fair compensation and may attempt to lowball you on your settlement offer. It is important to have an attorney review your offer and negotiate if necessary. - Myth: You can’t collect damages for emotional distress caused by a trucking accident.
Fact: In some cases, you may be eligible to receive compensation for emotional distress caused by the accident. However, this will depend on the severity of your injuries and the laws of your state. - Myth: Truck drivers are never liable for injuries they cause in an accident.
Fact: Depending on the circumstances, a truck driver may be held responsible for any injuries they caused in an accident. This includes both economic damages (such as medical bills) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering). - Myth: No one will be held responsible if a truck driver is at fault.
Fact: In many cases, the trucking company or other parties may be found liable for the accident. This includes both criminal and civil liability, depending on the circumstances of the case. - Myth: You must have a lot of evidence to win an injury claim against a truck driver.
Fact: You do not need to have a large amount of evidence to win an injury claim. However, the more evidence you can present, such as medical records and witness statements, the stronger your case will be.
No matter what the circumstances may be, it is important to seek legal advice if you have been injured in a truck accident. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected. By understanding the myths about trucking injury claims, you can make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Read also: Commercial Auto Insurance in British Columbia: The Complete Guide
Keep in mind that violations of state and federal trucking regulations can result in serious penalties. It is important to familiarize yourself with the most common trucking violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, exceeding hours of service limitations, failing to secure cargo properly, and other dangerous behaviors. By understanding these laws and taking proper precautions, you can help ensure that you and other drivers stay safe on the road.
Truck drivers play a vital role in our economy, and it is important that their rights and safety are protected. If you have been injured as a result of another party’s negligence, it is important to know your rights when it comes to filing a claim. This blog post has provided some information about the myths surrounding trucking injury claims and the most common violations that can lead to an accident. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney if you are considering filing a claim in order to ensure that your rights are protected.