Automobile accidents that involve tractor trailers are often devastating and produce a high volume of property damage. The first concept that is evaluated after victims receive emergency care is the origin of the accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes whether the tractor-trailer driver was compliant with federal regulations. The findings of this investigation could provide the leverage the victim needs when filing a claim through an Auto Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Compliance
Tractor-trailer drivers are required to maintain driving logs, which detail data such as their hours of services. According to the FMCSA regulations, no driver is allowed to drive longer than fourteen hours consecutively. The required rest period after this duration is no less than ten hours. These measures are taken to prevent accidents. The FMCSA investigates accidents to determine whether the legal hours of services were exceeded.
Drug testing is conducted to establish whether the driver ingested any over the counter medications to heighten alertness. It also verifies whether or not the driver was impaired due to other means such as alcohol or controlled substances. These violations could lead to criminal prosecution, especially if the driver has an existing record or if injuries were sustained. An Auto Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City utilizes these findings to file a claim against the driver on the victim’s behalf.
If hours of service or impairment did not contribute to the cause of the accident, mechanical probabilities are investigated. The FMCSA requires all records for repairs that are related to the tractor-trailer truck involved. This examination is utilized to establish whether improper repairs or faulty part installation resulted in the accident. If it is determined that this is the case, the FMCSA pinpoints its origin. The victim may file a claim against the mechanic or manufacturer through an Auto Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City based on these determinations.
Drivers who are transporting dangerous goods are further liable if they failed to comply with FMCSA regulations are liable in an accident. He or she must possess proper training for this task; the container in which the products are contained should be identified clearly. If injuries resulted from a spill, an Auto Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City may file a claim based on the severity of the injuries as well as any compliance failures.
