Webster City Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

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

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations for Commercial Truck Maintenance

The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which enforces regulations pertaining to a variety of areas, including commercial truck maintenance. Every truck company is responsible for maintaining its big rigs to ensure safety on the road. Here is an overview of the FMCSA regulations and the implications of truck company negligence.

FMCSA Truck Maintenance Regulations

FMCSA regulations require rigorous maintenance protocols to ensure the safety and functionality of commercial trucks. Key regulations include:

- Recordkeeping: Truck companies must maintain detailed records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance performed on their vehicles.
- Violation Corrections: Any violations or defects noted on roadside inspection reports must be promptly corrected.
- Post-Trip Inspections: 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.

Regulations for Inspectors

Certain types of inspections, such as those for brakes, require inspectors to meet specific qualifications. Brake inspectors must have adequate training and experience, and truck companies must keep evidence of these qualifications on file throughout the inspector's employment and for one year after they leave.

While inspectors and maintenance personnel could potentially be liable for injuries resulting from poor maintenance, the ultimate responsibility lies with the truck company. If poor maintenance is determined to be the cause of an accident, the truck company is likely to be named in a claim.

Important Equipment for Truck Safety

Maintaining certain types of equipment is critical for truck safety. These include:

- Brakes
- Lights
- Reflectors
- Windshield Wipers
- Steering Mechanisms
- Emergency Equipment
- Tires
- Wheels/Rims
- Horn
- Rearview Mirrors
- Coupling Devices

Truck companies must keep 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 truck maintenance is suspected to have caused a crash, the truck company can be considered negligent and liable for any resulting injuries.

Truck Company Negligence for Poor Commercial Truck Maintenance

Truck accidents tend to be especially severe, often resulting in serious, disabling, or life-threatening injuries for occupants of smaller passenger cars. While driver errors are common causes of these accidents, truck company negligence is also a significant factor, particularly when equipment problems due to poor maintenance are involved.

Poor Maintenance and Trucking Company Negligence

The FMCSA enforces rules for the upkeep of commercial vehicles. While manufacturing defects can be an issue, poor commercial truck maintenance is often a contributing factor in accidents. When poor maintenance is determined to be the cause of an accident, the truck company can be held negligent and liable for damages.

Types of Truck Equipment Problems

Certain equipment failures are more likely to cause crashes or exacerbate their severity:

- Brake Failure: Worn or unreplaced brake pads or shoes can prevent a truck from stopping in time, potentially leading to a collision.
- Tire Issues: Tire blowouts, worn treads, and improper inflation can cause loss of vehicle control and accidents.
- Lighting Problems: Inadequate lighting can hinder visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Windshield Wiper Failures: Poor visibility due to malfunctioning wipers can contribute to crashes.
- Improperly Attached Trailers: Trailers not properly attached to the cab can swing out of control or detach, posing serious risks to other road users.

Damages Recoverable in a Truck Accident Claim

When truck company negligence causes an accident, victims can seek compensation for various financial and non-financial losses:

- Medical Expenses: Ambulance services, hospitalization, follow-up doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and future medical costs.
- Lost Income: Compensation for lost wages during the recovery period and loss of earning capacity if the injuries are disabling.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace the victim’s vehicle.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, reduced quality of life, mental anguish, and psychological harm.

Legal Help to Prove Truck Company Negligence

Proving truck company negligence can result in significant compensation, but it requires a thorough investigation. Truck accident lawyers can assist in gathering evidence, determining liability, and navigating the legal process.

Seeking Damages After a Truck Accident

To seek damages after a truck accident, victims must file a claim with the responsible insurance company. However, insurance adjusters often underestimate claims or delay investigations to frustrate victims into accepting low settlements. If the insurer refuses to pay fair compensation, pursuing a truck accident lawsuit may be necessary.

Determining Liability

In a truck accident lawsuit, proving that the defendant’s negligence caused the injuries is essential. Multiple parties could be liable, including:

- The Truck Driver
- The Trucking or Shipping Company
- The Safety Director of the Company
- The Vehicle Inspector
- The Truck Manufacturer

Types of Fatal Semi Truck Accidents

Common types of fatal truck accidents include:

- Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles drive underneath large trucks.
- Override Accidents: Large trucks drive over smaller vehicles, motorcycles, or pedestrians.
- Jackknife Accidents: The trailer folds into the truck after sudden braking.
- Head-On Collisions
- Rollovers

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.