Tractor Trailer Laws

The Hershewe Law Firm explains the Arkansas tractor trailer laws and how violations can lead to serious injury or death.

According to the FMCA, medium and heavy trucks account for a disproportionate share of traffic fatalities. In two-vehicle crashes involving passenger vehicles and large trucks, 98% of the fatalities were occupants of the passenger vehicle. Each year, about 22% of all passenger vehicle fatalities are the caused by accidents with large trucks.

These statistics show just how deadly tractor trailers can be especially when not operated in a safe manner. There are many federal and state laws addressing the unique issues pertaining to tractor trailer safety. The Arkansas tractor trailer accident attorneys at The Hershewe Law Firm want you to know that a driver’s failure to comply with these laws or the carrier’s lack of enforcement of those regulations are often to blame for tragic tractor trailer accidents. It is the tractor trailer accident lawyer’s responsibility to expose this lack of compliance and prove liability or responsibility for the accident.

The trucking safety laws target the following safety issues, including driver training requirements, maximum hours of continuous driving before rest is required, equipment maintenance, proper loading, and inspection. Hours of operation are particularly important because driver fatigue is a key cause of many tractor trailer accidents. Fatigue slows reaction time, and effects judgment ad vision. Drivers and trucking companies may be motivated by profit to push the legal limits and remain on the road long after the driver has become fatigued; or the incentive may be the driver’s desire to get home to their family or to avoid traffic problems.

Whatever the motivation, the key issue in tractor trailer lawsuits is that drivers or trucking companies may have violated laws designed to protect others from the hazards associated with tractor trailers. The experienced tractor trailer accident attorney will get to the heart of the problem and discover who is at fault and recover your losses from the guilty party, whether it is the driver, carrier, or manufacturer.

To speak with one of our qualified truck accident attorneys call 417-782- 3790, or complete our quick contact web form.