Truck Accident Facts
- Is it illegal for truck drivers to text while driving?
- Are there other distractions unique to truck drivers besides texting that can impede their driving?
- I was hit by a trucker who said he wasn’t talking on his cell phone; he was just reaching for it. Could this have caused my accident?
- What is the 11-hour rule?
- What is the 60/70 hour rule?
- After my accident, the truck driver who hit me said he hadn’t slept because he had to make his delivery on time. Why would a truck company give such a tight deadline if it didn’t allow time for the driver to rest?
- The truck driver who hit me was taking speed – shouldn’t that have made him more alert?
- What is a phantom driver?
- I was hit by a phantom truck driver – can I still file a claim with my own insurance company for damages?
- Do I really need a lawyer to deal with a truck insurance company?
Is it illegal for truck drivers to text while driving?
Yes. Because truck drivers have to pay even closer attention behind the wheel, it is illegal for any trucker to text while driving. Studies show that a trucker who is texting while driving is 23 times more likely to get in an accident than one who is paying attention to the road.
Are there other distractions unique to truck drivers besides texting that can impede their driving?
Truckers not only text while driving, they also use other mobile devices to check email or the internet. Imagine trying to read your emails while you are driving to work, and you can envision the obvious dangers this presents. Truckers spend so many hours on the road that it can be tempting to use mobile technology, but it creates serious risks for all who share their road space.
I was hit by a trucker who said he wasn’t talking on his cell phone; he was just reaching for it. Could this have caused my accident?
Studies show that reaching for a mobile device is 6.7 times more likely to cause a truck driving accident, while dialing a cell phone is 5.9 times more likely. So reaching for the phone is even more dangerous than actually using it.
What is the 11-hour rule?
Truck drivers may not drive more than 11 consecutive hours within a 14-hour period followed by 10 hours off-duty.
What is the 60/70 hour rule?
Truck drivers may spend no more than a total of 60 hours on-duty within any seven-day period or 70 hours on-duty within any eight-day period. A new weekly period cannot begin until the truck driver has spent at least 34 hours off-duty.
After my accident, the truck driver who hit me said he hadn’t slept because he had to make his delivery on time. Why would a truck company give such a tight deadline if it didn’t allow time for the driver to rest?
The trucking company makes money when deliveries are done as quickly and as cheaply as possible. Therefore, they don’t pay drivers for their rest periods, inspections, or maintenance. Drivers often are forced to make a choice between taking a rest break and delivering the load on time to receive their pay. As a result, many drivers push themselves to drive “just one more hour” in the hopes of making up for time lost in traffic or other factors that can put them behind the deadline.
The truck driver who hit me was taking speed – shouldn’t that have made him more alert?
While speed, or methamphetamine, does keep a driver awake – it doesn’t make him a better driver. Speed affects a driver’s ability to focus, can cause hallucinations and even road rage – all of which are true road hazards.
What is a phantom driver?
A phantom driver is one who leaves the scene of the accident without being seen by any witnesses or the police.
I was hit by a phantom truck driver – can I still file a claim with my own insurance company for damages?
If you purchased uninsured motorist coverage as part of your automotive insurance, then you could file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company.
Do I really need a lawyer to deal with a truck insurance company?
They have already offered me a settlement.Trucking companies and their insurers are in the business of keeping costs down – and that includes the costs associated with your accident. They may have offered you a settlement, but do you know for sure that it will cover all the damages you suffered, including compensation for lost wages and future medical treatment? Attorneys familiar with truck accident claims know what trucking companies and their insurers look for when evaluating a claim. A lawyer can protect your interests and make sure you are treated fairly.
By working with experienced truck accident lawyers, victims can have some control and participation in ensuring that their rights and interests are protected.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial trucking accident, you need the experienced lawyers of Munley, Munley & Cartwright to protect your rights. Large trucking companies have their own investigators and attorneys fighting for them, you need someone on your side.
Your Choice of Lawyer is Important. So CHOOSE CAREFULLY™ -- The Family of Lawyers™ at Munley, Munley & Cartwright -- to protect your rights.
Munley, Munley & Cartwright charges clients of personal injury claims on a contingency basis. What that means is the attorney is only paid if he or she wins money damages for you - the client. This makes it possible for anyone to hire only the best lawyer. It gives everyone access to the justice system and representation that is equal to the best that insurance companies, doctors and other defendants can hire. You can contact the lawyers of Munley, Munley & Cartwright for a free consultation by calling toll-free at 877-421-9173.
TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
- What are some of the dangers associated with large trucks on the roadways?
- What are some of the causes of tractor-trailer collisions on Americas highways and secondary roads?
- Why is a traffic accident involving a commercial truck more likely to cause injury than one involving a passenger car?
- Are there any state or federal regulations governing truck drivers?
- What are the regulations regarding prohibited conduct for truck drivers?
- What role does alcohol and drug use play in tractor trailer wrecks?
- Are there trucking regulations governing the number of hours a truck driver can operate in a 24 hour period?
- How do I handle trucking companies or their insurance carriers after a truck accident?
- What is the statute of limitation in Pennsylvania for filing a personal injury claim because of a tractor-trailer accident?
- Why should a lawyer be hired as soon as possible?
- Who can be sued in an accident involving commercial trucks?
- What kind of a lawyer should I hire?
- Is the investigation of a truck accident important?
- Are expert witnesses necessary to prove fault in a truck accident case?
- What are the qualifications of Munley, Munley & Cartwright, PC?
- Where will my case be filed?
- How much does your firm charge to handle a tractor-trailer truck accident personal injury claim?
At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through team work and the use of our considerable resources and experience. For a free consultation regarding your legal concerns, contact us today for a free consultation or call us toll free at 877-421-9173.
