Tractor-trailers, otherwise known as semis or large trucks, are involved in nearly 500,000 traffic accidents each year. Of these, nearly 5,000 result in death, and many others in severe injuries. Another disturbing statistic is that one out of every eight motor vehicle accident fatalities involves a tractor-trailer collision.
In most of these accidents, the truck drivers are unharmed, but drivers or passengers in the other vehicles are the ones severely injured or killed.
Truck driver fatigue may be a leading cause of these accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established new rules to combat this pattern of trucking accidents by requiring drivers to limit their drive time to 11 hours after 10 straight hours off duty. Drivers also may not drive after being on duty for 60 hours in a seven-day period or 70 hours in an eight-day period. Other rules also apply.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a large truck, we suggest you contact one of our personal injury attorneys with expertise in this area for a free assessment of your case. Just complete the form to the right of this page for a prompt response.
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