Truck Accident Lawyer in Washington County, Maine

Truck accident claims are different from auto accident claims for many reasons, but one of these reasons has to do with the fact that truck companies and drivers are subject to strict federal laws. When truck companies or truck drivers violate these federal laws, serious accidents can happen. To make a truck accident claim, victims must prove that the other party was negligent. If a truck company violated federal trucking laws, victims might have an easier time showing that the truck company or driver was negligent.

Here are some important trucking laws that your semi-truck accident lawyer might refer to when investigating your truck accident claim:

• Federal Hours of Service Laws. These laws limit how long a driver can be on the road in a given day. Drivers who are fatigued are more likely to make driving errors. Truck drivers are required to keep logs of the hours they work. Sometimes, drivers falsify these logs to work longer hours. A truck accident lawyer can compare a driver’s logs to shipping and delivery times and other data to determine if the driver abided by hours-of-service laws.
• Load Limits. Truck drivers and shippers are required to follow rules limiting how much weight they can carry in the back of their trucks. Yet sometimes drivers or companies might try to cut corners or save money by overloading a truck. If this happens, accidents can take place. A truck accident lawyer can investigate the truck company’s practices and look at shipping logs and other evidence to see whether load limits were exceeded.
• Truck companies and drivers are required to regularly perform maintenance on their vehicles. This is just common sense. A blown tire or failed braking system, when you’re dealing with a multi-ton truck, can have major traffic accident consequences. Yet sometimes truck companies and drivers, to save money, might not perform regular maintenance or may cut corners. A truck accident lawyer can review maintenance records and speak to maintenance personnel to determine if negligent maintenance resulted in your crash.
• Drugs and Alcohol. Truck drivers are held to stricter standards when it comes to blood alcohol limits. While truck drivers are not permitted to drive while under the influence, sometimes they might use prescription drugs or other drugs while driving. If drug use or alcohol use was suspected in your truck accident, you may have rights.
• Medical Requirements. Truck drivers are required to meet strict medical standards and receive treatment if they have certain medical conditions. Truck companies and drivers can be held liable for accidents if a medical condition they didn’t report resulted in the crash.

These are just some of the laws that can impact a truck accident claim. Other factors can also impact a truck accident claim and make it unique. For example, victims may be entitled to seek damages from both the driver and the truck company. Truck companies have a responsibility to vet their drivers and check their backgrounds. If a truck company pressured a driver to violate hours of service laws by making unreasonable schedules or deadlines, the company could also be held liable. Some companies have worse track records than others when it comes to reviewing new hires’ driving backgrounds.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident in Washington County, Maine, you may have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. J. Austin Murdick is a semi-truck accident lawyer in Washington County, Maine who may be able to help you and your family seek justice. Truck companies that break the law should be held accountable. J. Austin Murdick is a truck accident attorney who fights for the rights of victims and seeks to hold companies to account.