Jefferson County Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers
Of all of the various commercial trucks on Alabama's roadways, none have the potential for the kind of property damage that can be caused by tractor trailer trucks. Fully-loaded trucks can weigh in excess of 80,000 pounds and deliver tremendous forces even in relatively minor crashes with automobiles. Because of this, the federal government requires all commercial vehicles, particularly tractor-trailers, to abide by very strict rules pertaining to the operation of the truck.
Tractor-trailers are unique among commercial trucks in that they have a "5th wheel" which connects the tractor to the trailer. This explains why jack-knife accidents do not occur with smaller trucks that are connected by one chassis. It is also why tandem-trailer truck accidents can be so deadly. It is easy to see why this class of trucks is highly regulated by the Department of Transportation.
Drake Law Firm has handled hundreds of personal injury claims arising out of trucking accidents caused by the failure of the trucking company and driver to abide by DOT regulations. Our attorneys and investigators are very familiar with these regs and we work hard to determine if they were violated in each specific case.
The following is a short list of the most commonly violated tractor trailer regulations:
- Failure to perform a pre-trip inspection
- Driver fatigue caused by driving too many hours
- Disqualified drivers allowed to operate trucks
- Inadequate brake maintenance
- Background check on driver not obtained before hiring
Another common violation is the failure of the truck driver to properly fill out his daily log books. This is often the result of the company's lack of enforcement. It is not unheard of for a trucker to have two log books: one for the company and a second one to show the state trooper.
What We Can Do For You
Unlike a simple car accident claim, litigation against a tractor trailer driver requires a detailed knowledge about the various trucking regulations and the duties they impose on the driver. Additionally, a thorough investigation of both the driver and his company is usually necessary. Drake Law firm will handle these matters for you while you recover from your accident-related injuries.
Free Consultation • Contingency Fee • Million Dollar Verdicts • Statewide
If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, call us toll free at 1-866-779-9690 to schedule a meeting with us. Our Alabama trucking accident lawyers will be happy to answer all your questions.
