Federal Trucking Regulations

Chicago Attorneys Representing Victims of Crashes Involving Commercial Vehicles

When commercial trucks are involved in an accident, the resulting harm can be catastrophic. Throughout the Chicago area, both state and federal trucking regulations govern truck drivers and commercial trucking companies. The skilled Chicago truck accident attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca are familiar with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and we have experience investigating causes of truck collisions and determining whether a driver or company has violated these safety laws. Our skilled attorneys prove legal liability for a truck collision in order to seek the full scope of victims’ losses. We have decades of experience setting forth strong evidence of driver negligence. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck crash, our lawyers will fight for your legal right to recovery.

Pursuing Compensation Following Accidents Involving Violations of Federal Trucking Regulations

All truck drivers are required to abide by federal trucking regulations. These safety laws are often involved in truck accident cases, since drivers who cause an accident may be found to have violated one or more of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Truck accident victims pursuing a personal injury claim against a truck driver may find that the driver has violated a law or that the trucking company is legally at fault, in addition to the driver.

The intention of federal trucking regulations is to provide for the safety of the driver and others on the road. Some regulations prohibit drivers from operating vehicles while under the influence of drugs or other impairing substances, for example, and others mandate that drivers and companies abide by hours-of-operation laws to prevent fatigued drivers from remaining on the road. Other laws require the trucking company and the driver to conduct regular inspections of their vehicles and ensure that brakes and connections are functioning properly. While some regulations may seem like common sense, such as the requirement that drivers use “extreme caution” in hazardous conditions such as snow or sleet, they are strictly interpreted, and there is a legal requirement that drivers immediately discontinue their travel when weather conditions are severe.

Accident victims asserting the negligence of a truck driver may rely on a violation of a federal trucking regulation as evidence of a breached duty of care. Proving negligence in an injury claim requires showing that the driver owed a duty of care and breached this duty, and this breach directly led to injuries and damages. In some situations, there may be multiple violations committed by the driver or trucking company. When a trucking company encourages their drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines and ignore laws such as hours-of-service regulations, this may increase the potential value of the victim’s claim.

Claims for damages following a commercial truck accident may be large, and often, trucking companies carry high amounts of liability insurance. Truck collisions can lead to serious injuries, and after proving the legal liability of the driver and potentially the company, the accident victim will set forth the full range of the damages that were caused by the collision. These include costs for medical treatment, both past care as well as future, expected treatment. Lost wages from work and a decreased earning ability are also types of damages that may be recovered. Finally, victims may find that they suffer emotional pain and suffering as a result of the accident. These non-economic damages may be set forth and recovered in a personal injury claim after a truck crash.

Contact a Trucking Accident Attorney in Chicago to Learn More About a Personal Injury Claim

The Chicago lawyers at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca understand the impact of a catastrophic collision. By investigating and determining liability for truck crashes, we can set forth strong arguments for recovering maximum compensation. We help people facing the devastating consequences of a collision by holding truck companies and their drivers accountable for violating federal trucking regulations. Our motor vehicle collision attorneys can work on your behalf while you take the time to recover from a truck accident and the resulting emotional and physical consequences. We are proud to help people throughout Illinois, including victims in Aurora, Springfield, Rockford, Champaign, Quincy, and other communities in Kane, Cook, Sangamon, Adams, and Champaign Counties. To set up a free consultation with a skilled lawyer, call our office at 312-724-5846 or contact us online.