Truck Accident Attorneys in Jackson, MS

Who Can I Sue? Who Is Responsible in a truck accident?

There are several parties that could be responsible for your trucking accident. Identifying these can benefit you by maximizing available assets and insurance proceeds. Our Jackson truck accident lawyers will work diligently to determine who should be held accountable based on the cause of the collision, vehicle ownership, whether the driver was an employee or contractor, and other factors.

One or more of the following parties may be liable for a trucking accident:

• The trucking company: UPS, FEDEX, Waste Management, or any commercial business
• The owner of the freight being towed and/or hauled
• The owner of the trailer, which is often different from the cab of the semi
• The truck driver
• The loading/shipping company

As a result, truck accidents may involve multiple insurance carriers and complex ownership schemes. To ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, you should hire an attorney who is experienced in handling truck accident cases. At ‘MAGGIO LAW, you will get just that. You will get dedicated, personalized service tailored to your case.

What Are the Federal Trucking Regulations?

Federal trucking regulations are designed to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The FMCSA sets standards that cover a wide range of areas, including driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement.

One key area of regulation is the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle. These rules are intended to reduce driver fatigue and include specific requirements for rest breaks and maximum driving hours. For example, truck drivers are typically allowed to drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour period after coming on duty, following which they must take at least 10 consecutive hours off.

Another important set of regulations pertains to driver qualifications. Drivers must meet certain age, language, and health requirements, and they must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). They are also subject to regular drug and alcohol testing to ensure they are not impaired while operating a commercial vehicle.

Vehicle maintenance and inspection regulations require trucking companies to ensure their vehicles are safe and well-maintained. This includes regular inspections, maintenance, and repair of all components that affect vehicle safety, such as brakes, lights, and tires. Drivers must also conduct pre-trip inspections and report any defects or issues that could affect the safe operation of the vehicle.

The cargo securement regulations are designed to prevent accidents caused by shifting or falling cargo. These rules specify the types of securement devices that must be used and how cargo must be arranged and secured within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit.

In addition to these core regulations, the FMCSA also oversees insurance requirements for trucking companies, ensuring that they have adequate coverage to compensate for any damages or injuries resulting from an accident. The minimum required coverage varies based on the type of cargo and whether the transportation is interstate or intrastate.

These federal trucking regulations are enforced through regular inspections, audits, and roadside checks. Violations can result in fines, out-of-service orders, and other penalties, all aimed at promoting safety on the nation’s highways.

Why Properly Investigating A Truck Accident Is Critical

Accidents involving trucks can be complicated if you do not have a good personal injury attorney to put up a strong case against a trucking company. Most trucking firms understand what it means for a truck to get involved in a road accident; hence, they invest a lot in defending accident claims involving their trucks.

Therefore, if you are a victim of a truck accident, you need to have sufficient evidence to successfully convince the court of law that you deserve compensation. Failure to have enough evidence weakens your case, leading to lack of compensation. Thus, proper investigation following a truck accident is essential for winning your case. A thorough truck accident investigation helps to dig deeper into the facts of the accident. 

Don't wait to get help. Call (601) 265-6869 to get started on your case today.