Being in a car accident with a passenger vehicle can be devastating enough, but when car drivers are in accidents with truck drivers, the damage can be exponentially increased because of the size and weight of these trucks. Some of the most common reasons for accidents between trucks and passenger vehicles are truck driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, not keeping the truck properly maintained and the conditions of the road.
Accidents caused by driver fatigue - which can have the same effects on a driver as drunk driving - often occur because truck drivers work for companies that require unrealistic delivery schedules and give incentives that encourage drivers to stay on the road much longer than they should. Many truck accidents are caused by truck drivers who were texting - which makes them 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident than truckers who were not texting, according to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
In order to address these problems, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is working to change the rules that govern the hours that truck drivers are allowed to work. If the agency's proposal is adopted, truck drivers will only be allowed to drive up to 10 hours each day, and they can only work a 13 hour day -including the time it takes to load and unload their vehicles. In addition, the new rules would require that truck drivers get at least 34 hours of off-duty time every week and take a 30-minute break after working for seven hours straight.
According to the FMCSA's proposal, fines for not adhering to these rules will range from $1,000 to $11,000 for each offense. In addition, truckers who are caught breaking the rules on the road will be forced to shut down until they have reached the required amount of off-duty time.
If You Are in an Accident With a Truck
If you have been injured as the result of a distracted or tired truck driver, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, who can advise you of your rights and help you file a lawsuit against the negligent driver.
