It is difficult to prove fault after an accident since drivers rarely acknowledge being impaired. Blood tests disclose the presence of alcohol or drugs, however, cell phone records can reveal texting. In addition, getting legal advice can help with gathering evidence.
Driver fatigue:
Fatigue is more difficult to establish. Federal regulations restrict truck driver hours to prevent exhaustion, and they apply to vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds and passenger transport. The hours-of-service rule was modified in 2013, limiting big rig drivers’ workweek to 70 hours. They can drive for 11 hours every day, with a 30-minute break every 8 hours. After 70 hours, a 34-hour rest period is required, including two overnight sessions.
Despite the laws, evidence reveals noncompliance as a result of false logs or driving while resting. Drowsy driving and delayed reflexes cause fatigue-related accidents.
If you believe a truck accident was caused by exhaustion, a Louisville truck accident lawyer can collect evidence, including logs, schedules, and witness statements to demonstrate driver fatigue and possibly company knowledge.
Improper maintenance:
Due to their size, weight, and mileage, commercial tractor-trailer trucks necessitate frequent and thorough maintenance. The pressure of moving huge goods over long distances quickly wears out parts, demanding regular maintenance. Unfortunately, due to cost and time constraints, many truck owners and operators neglect maintenance, resulting in equipment failures, accidents, and injuries.
Federal law requires trucking businesses to follow strict maintenance guidelines enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). All vehicles must be inspected, repaired, and maintained on a regular basis. To maintain road safety, all truck parts and accessories, including frames, suspension systems, axles, wheels, and steering systems, must be in safe and proper operational condition at all times.
Trucking businesses must keep thorough records for each truck, including vehicle identification, inspection schedules, and maintenance histories. These data must be preserved for 18 months after the vehicle has been returned to the company.
To ascertain the cause of a Kentucky truck accident, it is critical to investigate probable violations of these federal rules and analyze maintenance records.
Final thoughts:
Not able to pinpoint what led to the accident? A knowledgeable trucking accident lawyer can aid you in acquiring and interpreting these data. The trucking firm could be held liable if it failed to perform routine maintenance, inspections, repairs, or adequate record-keeping, which resulted in the accident and casualties.