In Maryland, all commercial truck drivers are held at a higher standard. These drivers must follow all state traffic laws as well as regulations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Any failure to comply could deem them liable in an accident. A truck accident lawyer in Waldorf MD protects victims of these events under applicable laws.
A Thorough Investigation of the Accident
Any commercial truck accident is investigated thoroughly to determine who was at fault. The first step is to determine if any mechanical issues with the vehicle attributed to the accident. The truck is impounded and inspected by the law enforcement agency.
Was the Driver Under the Influence?
The driver of the commercial truck is tested chemically to determine if they are under the influence. They are required to submit to testing under state traffic laws and the guidelines for their insurer. The driver is tested to determine if they have any alcohol or controlled substances in their blood. If so, they are charged according to state DUI laws.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all commercial truck drivers to follow regulations. These regulations apply to the duration of time in which the driver operates their vehicle. They must take rest periods after each twelve hour driving shift. They must maintain logs of these requirements to avoid penalties for a violation. They must be tested for any stimulant medications that could have contributed to an accident as well.
Filing a Claim Against the Commercial Trucking Company
The commercial trucking company is required to maintain these vehicles. Maintenance strategies reduce the potential for an accident. Equally, these companies must provide coverage for each vehicle in the event of an accident. This provides medical coverage for victims as well as auto repairs as needed. A failure could lead to a lawsuit.
In Maryland, all commercial truck drivers are required to follow state and federal regulations. These requirements are in place to reduce potential of an accident involving these large-scale vehicles. Victims who were injured should hire a truck accident lawyer in Waldorf MD or Browse our website for more information.
