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Important things to consider following a truck accident

On Behalf of | Aug 29, 2018 | Truck Accidents |

Large trucks have a constant presence on the roadways in Virginia and other states across the nation. Whether it is during the day or night, in rush hour or an open road, commercial trucks are used to transport goods to destinations within and outside of the state. While these vehicles benefit commerce, the reality is that they generate many risks on the roadways. Thus, when a truck accident does occur, victims need to understand their rights and what they could do.

The first thing that should be noted about the trucking industry is that federal and state laws regulate it. These laws establish standards that all trucking companies must follow. Thus, these laws are very valuable when determining who was responsible in a truck accident, as violating these laws could be the reason why an accident occurred.

A truck driver must follow certain laws. This includes obtaining a commercial driver’s license, getting enough rest and following the hours of service regulations, not carrying more than the maximum weight permitted for a certain type of truck, providing quality control of these vehicles and following safety regulations with regards to hazardous waste.

When a truck accident occurs, it may not just be the negligence of a truck driver. Through vicarious liability, the trucking company could also be held accountable in the crash, as employers are responsible for accidents their employees get into during their course of business.

The aftermath of a truck accident can be severe. The injuries can be tragic, the damages extensive and the financial harm long lasting. Therefore, it is important for victims to explore what rights they have. A personal injury action could be used to hold a negligent truck driver accountable while helping the victim collect compensation for their losses.

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