Most accidents with a commercial vehicle are serious and result in fatalities. Now, trucking companies have deep pockets and they often load enough fine print in their contracts with drivers to ensure that they escape responsibility. So, victims are placed in a disadvantageous situation – on top of that, they would be undergoing pain and suffering from the injuries received in the accident and running around to get treatment.
In case the victim dies in the accident, then his spouse or family member fighting the case would be going through grief over the loss of a loved one and so not in the right mental frame to go through all this. In such a situation the victim or his loved one becomes vulnerable and settles for a low claim than he is entitled to. The anxious victim also ends up hiring an inexperienced commercial truck accident lawyer or a general practice firm, who can complicate and weaken the case.
Our Utah-based team of truck accident attorneys compiled this FAQ that will likely help people become more informed litigants:
What are the Federal Regulations That the Trucking Industry Has to Comply with?
Commercial truck operators have to comply with both state and federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) lays down the rules related to alcohol testing, service hours, vehicle maintenance, etc. If the company does not follow rules, it is evidence of negligence. The trucking companies are also required to comply with Utah’s motor carrier regulations.
To prove that the trucking company and their driver violated federal and state regulations need experience in this niche.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Commercial Trucking Accident in Utah?
One or more of the following parties can be held liable for such accidents:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company that leases the vehicle
- Repair shops (if negligence is proved in repair work)
- The government (faulty roads, dysfunctional signs, etc.)
- Truck manufacturer
As the responsibility for an accident can rest on multiple parties, the investigation takes time, and as mentioned earlier, is best handled by a lawyer experienced in commercial truck accidents.
What are the Main Reasons for Trucking Accidents in Utah?
Distracted driving triggered by the use of electronic devices is the biggest cause of accidents – it’s like a pandemic! The lesson is to keep a safe distance from the big rigs. Speeding, swerving, refusing to yield, negligent maintenance, and driving under the influence are the other main reasons.
How Do Utah’s Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers Investigate a Case?
The process begins by visiting the accident site, going through the police report, and interviewing witnesses. Once the initial feedback is collected and analyzed, the lawyer shifts focus to the trucking company and the driver. The lawyer checks the company’s logs, its insurance policy, maintenance records, driver hiring policy, whether the driver was overworked at the time of the accident, truck condition, and repair history. He subpoenas the trucking company’s executives and extracts information.
He also requests for the DQF (Driver Qualification File) and the vehicle’s electronic logging device (ELD), which works similar to an aircraft’s black box.
How Long Does it Take to Resolve a Trucking Accident Case?
Well, going through the motions described above takes time because there is a whole lot of evidence to collect and correlate, and this process is time-consuming. Plaintiffs can expect a resolution anywhere between 6 months and 2 years. Our legal firm has settled most cases before they land up in the court, and to the complete satisfaction of our clients.
We trust the information given above helped you become a more informed litigant and realize the importance of working with an experienced attorney having a successful track record in resolving trailer and truck accident cases in Utah.
If you would like to know more, we urge you to take advantage of our free meeting offer.
FREE INITIAL DISCUSSION
In our no-pressure, no-obligation, and free meeting, we will review the strengths and weaknesses of your case and advise you on the way forward. Our Utah-based team of experienced commercial truck accident lawyers also will demonstrate to you how we settled cases in the past that yielded millions of dollars as compensation for the victims.
We work on a contingency fee basis – and that means you don’t pay if you don’t win. Plus, we have a flawless track record.
By meeting us, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We assure you that you will become a more informed litigant after the meeting is through.
So, go ahead and set up a free meeting.
We are just a phone call away.
