Tiffin Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

 Within the broad network of highway systems, trucking accidents can lead to significant disruption, often resulting in serious injuries for those affected. In such trying times, trucking injury lawyers stand as reliable advocates, offering guidance and support to survivors. These attorneys are experts in the intricate field of trucking laws and regulations.

The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which enforces stringent regulations concerning commercial truck maintenance. Every truck company is mandated to maintain its vehicles in top condition, ensuring road safety for all users.

Examples of FMCSA Truck Maintenance Regulations

Here are some of the key federal regulations for maintaining large trucks:

- Recordkeeping: Companies must maintain detailed records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance.
- Corrective Actions: Any violations or defects noted during roadside inspections must be addressed promptly.
- Post-trip Inspections: Drivers must complete an inspection report at the end of each driving period.
- Annual Inspections: Trucks must undergo comprehensive inspections at least once every 12 months.

FMCSA Regulations for Inspectors

Certain inspections, such as brake inspections, require inspectors to meet specific qualifications. Companies must keep evidence of an inspector's qualifications on file throughout their employment and for one year after they leave.

Ultimately, the trucking company is responsible for ensuring proper maintenance. Poor maintenance can lead to accidents, making the truck company liable for any resulting injuries.

Important Equipment for Truck Safety

Several types of equipment are critical for maintaining truck safety, including:

- Brakes
- Lights and reflectors
- Windshield wipers
- Steering mechanisms
- Emergency equipment
- Tires and wheels/rims
- Horn
- Rearview mirrors
- Coupling devices

All inspection, repair, and maintenance records must be kept at the vehicle’s garage location and retained for six months after the vehicle is sold or scrapped. Poor maintenance leading to an accident can result in the truck company being deemed negligent and liable for injuries.

Accidents caused by falling cargo from trucks, known as unsecured load accidents, are unfortunately common. Cargo such as pipes, logs, and boxes can pose significant dangers if not properly secured.

Filing a Truck Accident Claim

Even if a truck does not collide with another vehicle, victims of falling cargo accidents can still file a claim. Truck drivers and companies have a responsibility to ensure cargo is secure and safe. Victims must suffer damages or injuries caused by the falling cargo to file a claim.

Determining Accident Liability

Liability in such cases can be complex. If the truck driver loaded the cargo, they might be held responsible. If another employee loaded the cargo, they could bear some responsibility. 

Trucking companies can be liable under the law of "respondeat superior," meaning they are responsible for their employees' actions during employment. Multiple parties, including third-party loaders or equipment manufacturers, might share liability if defects or negligence are involved.

Iowa follows the rules of the road, detailed in Iowa Code Chapter 321, to determine fault in car accidents. Iowa is a comparative fault state, meaning the fault of each driver is compared and damages are awarded accordingly.

Common Ways to Prove Fault

1. Failure to Stop, Maintain Control, or Follow Too Closely
   - Assured Clear Distance Ahead: Drivers must stop within a clear distance ahead.
   - Failure to Maintain Control: Drivers must have control of their vehicle, especially near intersections.
   - Following Too Closely: Drivers must maintain a reasonable distance from the vehicle in front.

2. Failing to Yield
   - Intersections: Vehicles on the left must yield to vehicles on the right.
   - Entering Highways: Vehicles must yield to traffic on through highways.
   - Slow Moving Vehicles: Must drive in the right-hand lane and yield to faster traffic.

3. Failing to Obey Traffic Control Devices
   - Traffic Lights: Drivers must obey signals and yield to vehicles and pedestrians as required.
   - Making Left Turns: Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic.

Violations of these laws can establish fault in an accident. Iowa's comparative fault system means damages are reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to each driver.

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.