Truck accidents, unfortunately, are all too common on Michigan roads. Due to the velocity in which many semi-trucks and motor carriers travel, these accidents often cause serious personal injuries that permanently effect an individual's ability to lead a normal life. Tragically, they sometimes result in the death of a friend or loved one. In fact, because of their size, crashes involving large trucks are more likely to result in serious injury and death than car crashes.
Although large truck accident law is similar to the law involving standard auto accidents, truck accident cases require additional inquiries, investigation and attention for the personal injury lawyer.
Both federal and state regulations govern trucking cases and cover numerous safety and liability issues important in a large-truck claim. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations promulgates rules regarding minimum insurance levels for motor carriers, as well rules regarding driver qualifications, inspection, maintenance, repair and driver hours. The State of Michigan, through the Motor Carrier Act and the Motor Carrier Safety Act, also regulates the trucking industry.
There are numerous reasons why trucking accidents occur, but trucking liability usually rests with a few main culprits.
- Fatigue: Sleepiness or fatigue accounts for approximately 40% of all trucking accidents. It is obvious to any person that the more sleep deprived a driver is, the less alert that driver will become. Federal regulations mandate strict hours of service for drivers to ensure their ability or alertness is not impaired, or is likely to become impaired, so that it is unsafe for him or her to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
- Speed: Speeding is another prevalent cause of trucking accidents. Under federal regulations, driving schedules must conform to applicable speed limits. In other words, a trucking company cannot schedule a run for a trucker to complete that demands the driver violate prescribed jurisdictional speed limits.
- Equipment Failure: Under federal regulations, no commercial motor vehicle can be operated unless specific parts are in good working order. These parts include, but are not limited to, service brakes, tires, steering mechanisms, lighting devices and reflectors, windshield wipers and mirrors. Further, the Department of Transportation requires that each motor carrier undergo a rigorous inspection process and that this inspection be memorialized in a Vehicle Inspection Report.
- Illegal Turns: Like any motor vehicle operator, a trucking operator must follow the rules of the road. For example, the Michigan Vehicle Code requires that the driver of a vehicle intending a right turn at an intersection must both approach the right turn and complete the right turn as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
Investigating a truck accident is a serious matter that demands quick action. Obtaining witness statements, compiling photographs, hiring accident reconstruction experts and acquiring and preserving key evidence is extremely important.
Trucking companies typically have a team of lawyers and investigators that act quickly to ensure the evidence collected shields them from accusations of liability and negligence. You should too. That's why it's important for an accident victim to contact a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers immediately following the accident.
The Law Offices of Lee Steinberg, P.C. has represented numerous truck accident victims, helping them obtain the compensation they deserve under the law. Please contact our office directly at 1.800.LEE.FREE (533-3733) to find out your rights and how we can begin fighting for you.
"Because it’s not just the law, it’s Lee."
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