Posted in News on October 3, 2014
Driving, for most people, is an integral part of getting from one point to another point. Most people who own or lease a vehicle do so because of the convenience and freedom that a car offers them for travel to work, school and more. Driving a car has risks, however, and many drivers assume those risks when they choose to drive on the roadways that they must share with other vehicles, which include big rigs, also known as semi-trucks.
Sadly, thousands of drivers are killed annually in accidents on the roadways involving cars and trucks. Even more drivers suffer serious injuries in such car-truck accidents. Furthermore, given the size difference between a car and semi-truck, in any such accident the occupants of a car are far more likely to suffer significant damage and potentially serious injuries.
In fact, because of the dangers that big rigs pose, truck safety regulations are fairly stringent and driver conduct is closely monitored. For instance, recent regulations were put into place to tackle driver fatigue by reducing the number of hours during which truck drivers can drive. These revised hours of service rules were issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in July 2013.
Additionally, truck drivers also are required to follow specific rules and guidelines on the amount of cargo or loads that they haul and must ensure that their semis are properly maintained. Although regulations are meant to help reduce and minimize truck accidents, any Montana personal injury lawyer will agree that these accidents can happen to anyone who shares the roads with semis.
A collision between a car and a semi-truck can result in debilitating, serious injuries and even death. For anyone who is involved in a truck accident, it is important to have the facts of one’s case evaluated early on to examine every facet of the case, such as ensuring that the truck driver followed all applicable regulations.
Source: N/A