Safety should be every driver’s priority, especially tractor trailer drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a big rig crash as the result of truck driver error or negligence, then you may have the right to legal action. The skilled Maryland truck driver negligence lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers are committed to providing our clients with the support and professional representation they need to recover from their injuries. We can help you hold the negligent driver responsible for damages and losses such as medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
To learn more about your legal rights and options, call us today at (301) 932-9997 for a free and confidential consultation.
Trucking Regulations
Tractor trailers are the biggest and heaviest vehicles on the road, which also means they are the most dangerous. As such, they are governed by strict federal and state regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes size and weight limits for trucks, as well as establishes strict qualifications and rules for drivers who operate trucks, including commercial driver licensing requirements, Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, and drug and alcohol tests. These regulations are all in addition to obeying the general road and traffic laws. These rules are in place to keep public roads safe.
The unfortunate reality, however, is that many truck drivers do not take their responsibility for the safety of others on the road seriously. Truck driver error or negligence is a leading cause of big rig accidents in Maryland and nationwide. If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident caused by truck driver negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses.
Examples of Big Rig Driver Negligence
Truck drivers cannot afford to make mistakes or ignore laws and regulations. The vehicles they operate have the potential to cause serious injury or fatal accidents in any crash situation, which is especially important for big rig operators to obey all safety regulations and traffic laws.
Common forms of truck operator negligence include:
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting
- Talking on a cell phone
- Speeding
- Sudden or unsafe lane changes
- Improper braking
- Making unsafe turns
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Failure to brake
- Overloading or improperly loading the truck
- Failure to repair or properly maintain the truck
- Violating right-of-way laws
- Running through traffic control signals and/or signs
Truck Driver Fatigue
One of the most common and deadly forms of truck driver negligence is fatigued driving. All commercial vehicle drivers are required to obey the FMCSA-mandated HOS regulations. Many trucking companies task their drivers to make unrealistic delivery schedules, or even offer incentives, such as cash bonuses, for quicker delivery. This can pressure truck operators to drive in excess of the allowable hours, which is limited to 11 hours of driving, and falsify their daily logs. Big rig drivers and trucking companies who hold profits over road safety may be held accountable for any fatigue-related truck accidents.
Consequences of Truck Driver Fatigue
A drowsy or fatigued driver is a danger to everyone on the road. Fatigue significantly impairs a truck driver’s ability to operate his or her vehicle safely.
Some of the consequences of fatigue include:
- Decreased alertness
- Slower reaction times
- Over and under-steering
- Poor navigation of turns
- Delayed braking
- Inconsistent speed
- Drifting into lanes
- Losing control of the truck
For more information and to discuss your accident claim, please contact a Maryland truck accident lawyer at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers today.