Some of the most dangerous accidents are those that involve semi-trailer trucks. These types of trucks cause significant amounts of damage because of their sheer size. Quite often, these accidents will result in complete loss of the vehicle they hit and injury to those inside the vehicle. Importantly, drivers of semi-trailer trucks are under more strict rules than drivers of regular passenger vehicles.
Serious Accidents
A semi-trailer truck is a powered truck that pulls one or more detachable trailers. They may also be known as semi-tractor-trailers, semis, big rigs, or eighteen-wheelers. They are most commonly used in the transportation of various goods or equipment. Frequently, drivers of semi-trailer trucks must travel great distances. As a result of this, and the fact that accidents involving these types of trucks are dangerous, drivers are regulated by both state and federal agencies and law.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides regulations on drivers of commercial motor vehicles. A driver of such a vehicle is not allowed to drive when his or her ability or alertness is impaired as a result of fatigue or illness to the point that it would be unsafe to drive. Additionally, the number of hours that a driver can be on the road is limited. As an example, for a property-carrying truck, the driver can drive a maximum of 11 hours after he or she has been off-duty for ten consecutive hours.
Drivers of semi-trailer trucks must also be satisfied that certain parts and accessories are in good working order before driving. Some of these parts include service brakes, the parking (hand) brake, tires, horn, coupling devices, and windshield wipers. Further, extreme caution must be exercised in hazardous conditions. This includes conditions caused by snow, ice, fog, rain, or smoke. In hazardous conditions, drivers must reduce their speed or stop completely if traveling becomes too dangerous.
Unfortunately, accidents involving semi-trailer trucks do occur. Some of the reasons they happen include because the driver is:
- Under a tight deadline to deliver the haul;
- Deprived of sleep;
- Providing improper maintenance to the truck or equipment;
- Distracted, such as by a cellular phone or other device; or
- Traveling through hazardous weather conditions.
When an accident occurs involving a semi-trailer truck, there are often numerous different parties than can be held responsible in addition to the driver, such as the owner of the fleet of trucks or the manufacturer of the truck. This often leads to greater complexity than an accident with a private, passenger vehicle. Importantly, punitive damage awards may be possible for accidents involving a semi-trailer truck. Punitive damages are awarded as a way to punish the defendant and deter reckless behavior.
Helping Accident Victims
If you have been involved in an accident that was caused by the action of a semi-trailer truck driver, it may be possible for you to recover an award for your injuries and damage to your vehicle. To obtain more information, contact Wade Law Offices today. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can help.
