What should you know about trucking companies and their negligence in NY truck accidents?
In many cases involving New York truck accidents, trucking companies are also legally responsible. This stands to reason, because in the U.S., the majority of truck drivers work for truck companies.
According to the National Safety Council, between 2014 and 2025, there has been a 30% increase in fatal accidents involving large truck accidents.
What rules must trucking companies abide by?
Across the nation, the federal government tightly regulates the trucking industry. For example, regulations called “hours of service” limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can drive on the road. Typically, there is an 11-hour driving restriction within a 14-hour consecutive driving period. Truckers must be off-duty for 10 hours after this period of driving. Electronic logging devices keep track of and record driving time.
Drivers and companies are responsible for doing pre-trip and post-trip vehicle maintenance inspections. Strict guidelines exist for cargo securement to prevent fall hazards and shifting cargo. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truckers to keep maintenance logs.
In addition, drivers must have special commercial licenses to drive trucks. Truck companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers and company are in compliance with these federal regulations.
What types of violations point to negligence in New York truck accidents?
The following are some of the ways in which trucking companies and drivers are at risk for causing accidents:
- Companies can create such tight delivery schedules that drivers must violate the hours of service rule in order to deliver on time.
- Or, in an effort to meet tight delivery schedules set by their companies, some drivers might speed, which violates traffic laws.
- A lack of routine maintenance can lead to dangerous and defective vehicles. Examples include brake failures, malfunctioning safety equipment and tire blowouts, all of which pose a danger and can lead to accidents.
- Falsification of hours logs and maintenance logs are another form of negligence.
- If a company hires unqualified or under qualified drivers, they put other motorists at risk.
- By overloading trucks or failing to ensure cargo loads are adequately secured, companies can cause accidents.
Why is it vital to get legal help?
An experienced truck accident lawyer understands the federal regulations that motor carriers and drivers often violate. Your lawyer can devise a strategy to prevail over trucking companies, their insurance companies and attorneys. Gathering evidence to prove negligence is crucial for winning a case or reaching a fair settlement.
Involve a lawyer in your case right away. Protect your rights. To arrange a free consultation, contact the Law Office of John Fazzini. Call us at (631) 547-8989 or reach out to us through our contact form.