Richardson Truck Accident Lawyer

The highways in Richardson entail many hazards, including a high rate of trucks passing through, that motorists should remain aware of at all times. Tractor-trailer crashes are particularly dangerous and can leave you with severe injuries and property damage.

For that reason, the federal and state government have regulations and policies in place that truckers with commercial driver’s licenses or CDLs must adhere to at all times. When you or a loved one are injured in a collision with a semi-truck because of truck driver negligence, a dedicated personal injury attorney could help you seek compensation to cover the damages. Contact a Richardson truck accident lawyer at McCraw Law Group for more information.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Collisions

Some of the most common types of truck crashes in Richardson include:

• Jackknife accidents: Occur when drivers try to take sharp turns and the trailer slides forward towards the vehicle’s cab, creating an L shape
• Rollover crashes: Occur when truck drivers attempt to stop or turn while moving too fast
• Blind-spot collisions: Truckers make maneuvers without checking all the truck’s blind spots
• Tire blowout crashes: Truck tire blowouts can cause the trucker to lose control of the vehicle
• Underride accidents: Occur when another car slides underneath the truck during the collision
• Distracted driving collisions: Happen when distractions cause the driver to lose focus of operating the vehicle safely

An experienced Richardson truck accident attorney can answer questions about the various types and causes of collisions during an initial consultation.

Commercial Truck Driver Federal Safety Rules

CDL drivers face many safety hazards and challenges that other passenger car drivers do not. Therefore, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides a list of rules and regulations trucker drivers and the companies that employ them must adhere to while they are operating in order to keep the highways safe for themselves and other motorists. Truck driver safety precautions include the following:

Truckers Must Check Their Blind Spots Regularly

Semi-truck drivers must check all the vehicle’s mirrors often to watch for other drivers entering their blind spots. Per the commercial truck driver regulations, they should check all mirrors every eight to ten seconds.

Focus on the Road While Operating a Commercial Truck

Truckers must stay alert and focused on safely operating their large vehicles while traveling on roadways. That includes getting enough rest and avoiding distractions like texting while driving.

Travel at Safe Speeds

CDL drivers must drive at safe speeds and follow all local traffic rules and regulations. The truck’s massive size and weight make them more challenging to control and stop. When traveling at high speeds, they are more likely to lose control of the vehicle.

Mandatory Breaks and Driving Limits

Two of the primary regulations enforced under the FMCSA are (1) limiting the total number of hours that a driver can be operating a semi-truck on the roadway in an eight consecutive day period, and (2) mandating that all drivers take a break of at least 30 minutes when they have driven for a period of 8 cumulative hours without interruption.

Additional Trucker Safety Tips

• Follow at safe distances, as commercial trucks require approximately the length of a football field to stop safely
• Give themselves extra space and make wide turns carefully
• Always buckle up while behind the wheel
• Start breaking early and use turning signals
• Maintain the vehicle according to safety regulations
• Plan the trip in advance, including safe places to park the commercial truck and rest
• Drive safely and remain cautious in construction work zones

A diligent truck crash lawyer in Richardson can investigate the cause of the accident and determine if the truck driver was following state and federal safety regulations.

A Richardson Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You Seek Damages

Commercial trucks are crucial for the economy’s health and transporting goods nationwide. However, the massive size and weight of the vehicles present many hazards and can cause crashes with some of the most devastating consequences. Therefore, all CDL drivers must always adhere to federal safety rules and regulations.

When truckers fail to comply with traffic and safety regulations and cause wrecks resulting in injuries, the civil court could hold them accountable for the damages. Schedule an appointment with a Richardson truck accident lawyer today if you need help with a case.