Expert Truck Accident Attorneys in West Virginia
Legal Representation for Truck Accident Victims
There are close to 2 million tractor-trailers in operation throughout the United States, and nearly 500,000 accidents involving trucks occur each year. Truck accidents are especially dangerous because of the size, weight, and stopping challenges of 18-wheelers. The injuries associated with such accidents are often more serious, and, unfortunately, death is more common. And, most trucking accidents occur in rural areas, not in large metropolitan areas.
Understanding FMCSA Regulations for Truck Drivers
Because large trucks pose such a danger to other motorists on the road they are more heavily regulated than other motorists. Commercial truckers must follow strict rules on and off the road. These regulations are dictated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). While many rules are laid out for drivers and the trucks they drive, one of the most well known and influential laws is called the hours of service regulation.
These rules were first established to prevent fatigued driving, a major cause of truck accidents. In fact, the FMCSA listed fatigued driving as one of the top 10 factors in truck accidents. As such, these rules focus on the amount of rest and breaks truck drivers receive each day.
The hours of service regulations states:
- Truck drivers can work up to 14 hours hours in a day, however, of these hours only 11 of them can be spent actually driving. The remaining time must be spent on rest or meal breaks
- Truck drivers are required to rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before they are eligible to begin a new workday
- Truck drivers are required to take days off work at regular intervals. These intervals are determined by how many hours and days the driver works each week
These laws help keep everyone safe. Unfortunately, drivers and trucking companies alike have incentives to break these laws. Not following these proper rest and meal breaks can allow drivers to get to their destinations faster, saving trucking companies money. If you or a loved one has been injured, call our West Virginia truck accident attorneys today to discuss the details of your case.
Maximize Your Compensation with a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer
Recovering proper compensation after suffering injuries in a truck accident is a big step in getting your life back on track. An experienced West Virginia truck accident attorney from our firm can help you recover maximum compensation to meet your unexpected expenses.
Trucking companies understand the risk their vehicles potentially pose, as such they are often backed by top-tier law firms who are skilled in protecting their company, which ultimately means, attempting to keep you from recovering the compensation you deserve.
The attorneys at Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC are experienced in handling all types of truck accident claims and are dedicated to fighting for your best interest every step of the way. Call our team today to learn more about how we can help you. Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations so you have nothing to lose by contacting us today!
Get a Free Consultation with Our Truck Accident Legal Team
Trucking is a big business. That means trucking companies leverage all the advantages they can to navigate the complexities of the insurance and legal systems to benefit their bottom line. If you or someone you love has been injured or died in a tractor trailer accident, you need a legal representative who knows the law and understands how insurance companies operate.
With offices located along I-77 and I-64—major freight corridors connecting central U.S. to the eastern ports—Wooton, Davis, Hussell and Johnson, PLLC has extensive experience serving the victims of semi-truck accidents throughout southern West Virginia.
Ready to Advocate for You: Contact Our Trusted Truck Accident Lawyers
Schedule your case evaluation and explore your options with a member of our highly respected legal team. Contact us online today or dial (304) 407-2249.