Very specific state and federal laws govern commercial truck driving. Most of these laws go beyond the traditional roadway rules that apply to passenger cars. When truck drivers – intentional or not – break these regulations and cause an accident, you may have a case for negligence against the driver and trucking company. Personal injuries that result from truck driver error can be severe, and McCraw Law Group can help you recover damages.
Truck Driver Regulations
Safe and careful passenger car drivers focus on operating their vehicle within the boundaries of Texas roadway driving laws. Speed limits, signaling turns, and driving without distraction are just a few of the ways a responsible passenger car driver maintains safety on the roadway. A truck driver must comply with the same roadway rules, along with additional state and federal regulations. Some of these big-rig regulations include:
- The number of hours that can be driven each day
- Weight of the truck and rig before and after cargo
- Proper CDL license
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Drivers background and driving record
- State and federal regulations for trucker
Maintaining roadway safety is at the heart of these regulations. Big rig drivers or trucking company operators that fail to comply with these regulations are placing all Texas drivers and passengers at risk of catastrophic injuries. Truck driver errors within these regulations can have disastrous consequences. What happens when a truck driver continues to operate without rest, falls asleep at the wheel, and causes an accident?
Operational and Regulation Error
Common truck driver errors fall into 2 categories – operational error and regulation errors. Operational errors include speeding, failure to yield, running lights or stop signs – similar errors to those caused by unsafe passenger car drivers. Regulation errors are any mishaps with big-rig regulations. These regulations help drivers and trucking companies maintain safe vehicles and hire safe drivers. Operational error and regulation error can both cause serious accidents and injuries.
Personal Injury Caused by Truck Driver Error
The physics in a commercial truck accident often leave the passenger cars in a mess of mangled metal and rubber. Injuries to the driver and passengers can be equally as shocking. The severity of injuries in trucking accidents can be far greater because of the size and weight of an 18-wheeler. Injuries to passenger car occupants include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Back and neck strain
- Severe burns
- Internal bleeding
- Death
These injuries can result in long-term medical care, high out of pocket expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The McKinney truck accident attorneys at Tthe McCraw Law Group can help hold the drivers and trucking company responsible for truck driver error. If you have been injured by an 18-wheeler, call today for assistance from an experience big-rig accident attorney at McCraw Law Group.