Accidents happen when you expected them the least. It can happen at work, on the road, or even at home. And when they do happen, it can be hard to focus and decide on a course of action. However, every second is crucial when someone’s life is on the line.
This is why knowing the hazards involved in someone’s job, especially if they often work outdoors where controlling their work environment is out of the question. Knowing how to do one’s job is one thing, doing it while keeping yourself and others safe is another.
There are millions of trucks and tractor trailers and approximately 500,000 trucking accidents happen every year in the U.S. alone. Here are a few things that you need to know in case of a truck accident.
Laws on Truck Licensing
One of the first things you need to be familiar with when it comes to being an employee and a professional driver is your rights. A truck accident attorney in Utah is someone who can provide you with professional legal advice when you need it.
Whether you are a driver or not, it’s essential to know what your rights are in case of an accident on the road, especially if you drive regularly. For instance, drivers of 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles must abide by the case law and statutes set by the state when it comes to licensing.
If the truck driver doesn’t possess the right license, it can definitely affect the case. This knowledge will come in handy when you need it the most. It is also crucial to file a case as soon as possible, so make sure to contact your lawyer right away or have someone do it for you.
Trucking Regulations
Since trucks are more challenging to maneuver and drive, there are regulations for repairing and manufacturing these heavy commercial vehicles. It’s also important to know if the truck driver who’s involved in the accident has gotten enough hours of sleep prior to driving.
There’s also a regulation on breaks and rest for truck drivers, and if these aren’t met, then it’s something that can be used against the truck driver in question. There are more than a thousand regulations on trucking and hiring an experienced lawyer on cases such as this can make a lot of difference.
Car Accidents vs. Truck Accidents
It’s important to know that there’s a huge difference when it comes to car accident and truck accident cases. Car-related accidents are more straightforward compared to trucks, which as mentioned, have a lot of regulations.
The same also affects the insurance claims when it comes to this type of cases. It becomes more complicated since more often than not, there are third party companies involved such as a freight contractor.
Whether you’re a truck driver or not, if you use the roads and drive often, then it’s essential for you to know your rights. You need to know what you can do should you or someone you know face an accident involving a truck.
