What are the Rules and Regulations for Semi Trucks and other Large Commercial Vehicles?

It is no secret that the enormous weight and size of semi-trucks can lead to accidents that cause serious injuries or even death. For the most part, commercial truck accidents differ from traditional car and vehicle accidents in several ways.

In addition to that thought or sentiment, there are several players that could be involved in the legal process and an equal number of factors that could be attributed to an accident. Driver fatigue, drug and alcohol use, and overloading, are only a few of the contributing factors for which there are many rules and regulations in place.

Although state laws may vary slightly, there are many common rules and regulations for semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles that must be adhered to by every trucking company across the nation. This is where Little Rock, Arkansas truck accident lawyers like Sheila Campbell come into the picture.

Semi-truck regulations

There are various laws and regulations designed for semi-trucks as well as drivers. These consist of federal regulations such as Department of Transportation or Department of Homeland Security rules and state laws.  Knowledge of such regulations is vital in cases involving truck accident since a breach of these regulations can cause an accident. In case you are involved in an accident involving a semi-truck, any violation of a regulation can help you establish negligence.

The most important regulation

The most significant regulation meant for truck drivers and also their conduct is the FMCSA or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s “Hours of Service regulations” Section 395.3.8. You do not have to this law memorized since Central, Arkansas truck accident attorneys already know about this law. You will not be tested on this law, you can hire someone who has already passed this test on this law and many more like it.

Not all heroes wear a uniform. Not all heroes carry a gun. Not all heroes kill terrorists and try to improve the economy by lowering your taxes. Some heroes carry a pen a briefcase and are not afraid to take on the machine. One of the finest and most adept lawyers in Little Rock, AR is Sheila Campbell and you can reach her right her at http://www.sheilacampbelllaw.com/ if you need any legal help. 

Maximum driving hours

• Truck drivers must not begin a shift without a minimum of 10 hrs of continuous rest
• Following the minimum hours of rest a driver can begin a 14 hour shift
• Out of the 14 hours, a driver must not drive the truck in excess of 11 hrs
• Out of these 11 hours, there must not be a maximum of 8 hrs of continuous driving
• The driver must not operate a semi-truck more than 60 hrs in a week or 70 hrs in 8 days.

Record keeping and conserving evidence

Federal law stipulates that all truck drivers should record their driving hours as well as rest time. Under the circumstances, the more you wait to follow your claim, the better your chances of the driver losing, misplacing, or even destroying these records. Your future Little Rock, AR truck accident lawyer, such as Sheila Campbell, will inform you that the important records are the driver’s logs and cell phone and vehicle maintenance records since they can prove to be vital evidence when determining liability.

What to do after a truck accident

The very first thing to do is to get medical treatment if you are injured. The next step is to gather evidence from the place of accident, and if you are unable to do it, ask someone who is close to you to do that for you or just rely on the police report but in all fairness, you want to compile your own case that bolster’s the police report.

Collect evidence

You should collect names, photographs, phone numbers of witnesses, and what they saw. Make every attempt to obtain an ID as well as gather the insurance data from every party involved. Remember, if you are involved in an accident with a heavy truck, you might have to compete against a large corporations with considerable resources in this legal battle. Get all the information possible on the trucking company. Photographs can help provide evidence of the road conditions and property damage to your car and anything else that was damaged.

Soon after the truck accident, the truck driver’s and the trucking company’s insurers will send legal professionals and insurance adjusters to collect evidence and to begin to build a defense to combat your claims. If you do not have any legal help working on your behalf, you will find yourself at a disadvantage. Therefore, make sure to speak with a Central Arkansas truck accident lawyer immediately. Do not sign any paperwork with anyone until you speak with a legal representative. 

You should never admit responsibility for the accident and do not discuss the case with any person including any witnesses or even your own family members. In addition, refrain from giving a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster or police. Certainly not any insurance adjuster, not until you are well represented by a fantastic lawyer like Sheila Campbell. She is one of the best lawyers in the entire Little Rock area. She knows the law and the system and knows how to represent her clients.

She is not paid until you are paid for the most part and if you have a viable case, give her a call.