Orange City Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

 In the extensive network of highways, trucking accidents can cause substantial disturbances, frequently leading to severe injuries for those involved. In these challenging moments, trucking injury lawyers serve as unwavering supporters, providing guidance and direction to survivors. These legal professionals specialize in navigating the complex terrain of trucking laws and regulations.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry, enforcing strict regulations to ensure the safety and maintenance of commercial trucks. Proper maintenance of these vehicles is crucial, as failure to do so can result in severe accidents and injuries. Truck companies are mandated to comply with various maintenance regulations to keep their rigs safe on the road.

Examples of FMCSA Truck Maintenance Regulations

Some key federal regulations pertaining to the maintenance of large trucks include:

- Recordkeeping: Truck companies must maintain detailed records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance performed on their vehicles.
- Correcting Violations: Any violations or defects noted during roadside inspections must be promptly corrected.
- Post-Trip Inspection Reports: Drivers are required to complete a post-trip inspection report at the end of each driving period.
- Periodic Inspections: Trucks must undergo periodic inspections at least once every 12 months.

FMCSA Regulations for Inspectors

Certain inspections require inspectors with specific qualifications. For instance, brake inspectors must have adequate training and experience. Truck companies are responsible for keeping evidence of their inspectors' qualifications on file throughout their employment and for an additional year after the employee leaves.

While inspectors may be held liable for injuries resulting from poor maintenance, the ultimate responsibility lies with the truck company. If poor maintenance is suspected as the cause of an accident, the motor carrier company is likely to be named in a claim.

Important Equipment for Truck Safety

Maintaining certain types of equipment is particularly important for truck safety. Critical components that must be kept in good condition include:

- Brakes
- Lights
- Reflectors
- Windshield wipers
- Steering mechanisms
- Emergency equipment
- Tires
- Wheels/rims
- Horn
- Rearview mirrors
- Coupling devices

Truck companies must keep all inspection, repair, and maintenance records at the vehicle's garage location and for six months after the vehicle is sold, scrapped, or otherwise disposed of. If poor maintenance is found to be the cause of a crash, the truck company can be considered negligent and liable for any resulting injuries.

Filing a City Truck Accident Claim

City trucks can include:

- Fire engines
- Buses
- Utility vehicles
- Garbage trucks

Iowa follows rules of the road as outlined in Iowa Code Chapter 321. These rules help determine fault in car accidents. Iowa is a comparative fault state, meaning fault is distributed among the involved parties. If a driver is found to be 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages. If found 50% or less at fault, their recoverable damages are reduced by their fault percentage.

Common Ways to Prove Fault in an Iowa Car Accident

1. Failure to Stop Within Assured Distance, Maintain Control, or Following Too Closely
   - Assured Clear Distance Ahead: Drivers must not drive at speeds that prevent stopping within a visible clear distance.
   - Failure to Maintain Control: Drivers must control their vehicle speed, especially near intersections.
   - Following Too Closely: Drivers must maintain a reasonable distance considering speed, traffic, and road conditions.

2. Failing to Yield
   - Meeting and Turning to the Right: Vehicles must yield half of the road when meeting another vehicle.
   - Approaching or Entering an Intersection: Vehicles must yield to others already in or close to the intersection.
   - Backing onto a Highway: Drivers must yield when backing onto a highway.
   - Slow Moving Vehicles: Slower vehicles must keep to the right.
   - Driving on the Right Half of the Road: Vehicles must drive on the right side unless overtaking or avoiding an obstruction.

3. Failing to Obey a Traffic Control Device
   - Green, Yellow, Red Lights: Drivers must follow light signals correctly, including yielding when turning on a green light or stopping at a red light.
   - Making a Left Turn Across Traffic: Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic when making left turns.

Contacting Walker, Billingsley & Bair

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our team is committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We handle all injury cases on a contingency fee basis and manage all necessary documentation and communications.

Walker, Billingsley & Bair is prepared to act fast to defend your rights after a truck accident in Iowa. Contact our office at 641-792-3595 to speak with an attorney.