When a truck accident happens, the consequences can be devastating. Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, making any collision with passenger vehicles extremely dangerous.
To protect everyone on the road, the trucking industry must follow strict safety regulations designed to reduce these accidents. When companies or drivers fail to follow these requirements, they may be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries or damages.
A Milwaukee truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash, determine whether negligence played a role, and fight to secure fair compensation for victims and their families.
Proper Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections
Commercial trucks must undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections to ensure they operate safely on public roads. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require trucking companies to maintain detailed records of all maintenance work and conduct pre-trip, on-road, and post-trip inspections.
Proper maintenance helps prevent accidents by identifying potential mechanical failures before they occur on the highway. FMCSA rules help make sure that critical components like brakes, tires, and steering systems are checked regularly, and trucks that fail inspections must be taken out of service until repairs are completed.
Driver Training and Certification Requirements
Truck drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and complete specialized training before operating commercial vehicles. This training includes classroom instruction and hands-on driving experience, covering important topics like vehicle operation, traffic laws, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures.
With the right training and experience, drivers learn how to safely maneuver large vehicles, navigate turns without rolling over, and respond appropriately to hazardous road conditions.
Unfortunately, some trucking companies provide inadequate training or hire drivers without proper qualifications, which increases the risk of accidents caused by driver error or inexperience.
Following Hours of Service Regulations
The FMCSA’s Hours of Service regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate their vehicles to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. These rules outline a trucker’s maximum driving hours per day and week, mandatory rest breaks, and required off-duty periods.
Proper rest prevents accidents by ensuring drivers remain alert and capable of making quick decisions. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and may even fall asleep behind the wheel.
When drivers follow hours of service rules, they maintain the mental and physical alertness necessary to operate large vehicles safely.
Safe Loading and Cargo Securing Practices
Federal regulations establish weight limits for different axle configurations and require specific tie-down methods for various types of cargo. Loading crews must distribute weight evenly and secure all cargo according to federal standards.
Proper loading prevents accidents by maintaining vehicle stability and control. When cargo is distributed correctly, trucks handle predictably during turns, stops, and lane changes.
Properly secured cargo cannot shift during transport, which prevents sudden weight transfers that could cause rollover accidents. Unsecured or improperly loaded cargo can also fall from vehicles, creating deadly obstacles for other drivers.
Your Legal Options When Prevention Fails
Despite these safety measures, accidents still happen, and when they do, you deserve justice. In Wisconsin, victims of truck accidents have the right to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for their accident.
Depending on how the collision occurred, the liable party may be the driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, or even the cargo loaders.
If you plan on taking legal action, it is important to work with a Wisconsin truck accident lawyer. An attorney can examine maintenance records, driver logs, and loading procedures to identify what went wrong and build your case.
Contact us at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. to schedule a free consultation and protect your rights today.