In 2004, trucking collisions in the U.S. accounted for 5,190 highway deaths and 116,000 highway injuries. These figures remained nearly unchanged for a ten year period, starting in 1995. Various studies cite to factors such as: truck driver fatigue, inadequate brake systems on tractor trailers, a shortage of rest areas for trucks, companies and drivers breaking the hours of service of rules which set driving limits, as well as unsafe driving on the part of other motorists.

Trucking plays a necessary and vital role in our economy. That being the case, we must also recognize that trucks or "big rigs" themselves pose a unique hazard to other motorists. The nature of this hazard can be devastating.

A Truck Collision Case is Never "Ordinary."

Truck accident cases are unique. First, the sheer size, weight, and operating speed of a tractor trailer means that trucking accidents tend to be major wrecks. They often cause serious, life-changing injuries or death. Second, trucks are tightly regulated at the state and federal levels. Handling these cases requires a working knowledge of the framework of trucking regulations, and this goes above and beyond the legal knowledge required for a more typical personal injury case.

In a truck accident, the key to winning the case may lie in physical evidence left at the scene, such as highway skid marks, gouge marks, debris, or other markings left by the vehicles. The key may lie in evidence recorded by the truck itself or in data already in possession of the trucking company. Alternatively, the key may lie in truck driver inattention, reckless driving, fatigue, or the trucking company's negligent hiring of an incompetent driver.

When dealing with truck accidents, the Virginia State Police employs specialized teams of officers known as Motor Carrier Safety Units. These specially trained troopers investigate trucking collisions and enforce safety regulations on trucking companies. They are trained to analyze the evidence and find the cause of a truck collision, be it faulty equipment, excessive speed, or driver inattention. These law enforcement professionals are highly trained in truck accident investigation and reconstruction techniques. The attorneys of Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas have in the past and will continue to work closely with these State Police officers when dealing with serious truck collisions.

Federal and State Regulations Come Into Play

A distinct set of federal and state regulations controls truck operation and the trucking industry. This includes driver training and licensing, driver qualifications, truck inspection, maintenance and repair, and maximum driving limits. Your attorney should have a working knowledge of these distinct trucking regulations in order to correctly establish liability against a trucking company which may be guilty of wrongful conduct.

The trucking companies have powerful insurance companies to protect them after collisions. Truck collision victims should likewise have the benefit of knowledgeable attorneys in order to level the playing field. We have handled numerous cases against the trucking industry, and our attorneys are qualified to meet the challenges of each unique case.

Library for Tractor Trailer Accidents:

The Deadly Facts about Tractor Trailer Accidents
Description: Large trucks are more likely to be involved in fatal multi-vehicle accidents than passenger vehicles, and if they collide with a passenger vehicle, occupants of the passenger vehicle are more likely to suffer injury or death because of the enormous size difference between the two vehicles. Considering how deadly large truck accidents can be, advocacy groups are calling for the federal government to do more to reduce the annual number of injuries and deaths from truck accidents.
What Makes Tractor Trailer Accidents Unique?
Description: Tractor trailer accidents aren’t like regular automobile accidents. There are a number of factors that make these kind of accidents unique – factors that need to be taken into consideration when prosecuting a tractor trailer case. If you’ve been involved in a tractor trailer accident and are wondering what a skilled law firm can do for you, this summary can help you make up your mind.

Web Resources for Tractor Trailer Accidents:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

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Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, LLP
98 Alexandria Pike
Suite 11
Warrenton, VA 20186

Phone: 888-907-2631

DULANEY, LAUER &
THOMAS, LLP

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