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The Cooper Law Firm is a truck safety law firm in Texas who fights for the rights of those who have been injured in truck accidents or those who have been injured on the job while driving a truck. The truck industry is bound by strict safety laws that govern drivers and truck companies, which includes regulations about hiring, loading, and maintaining trucks. Truck safety laws are designed to protect both truck drivers and other drivers on the road. When these laws are violated, accidents can happen.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident in Canton, Van Zandt, Mt. Pleasant, Paris, or Marshall, Texas, you may be entitled to seek damages from truck companies, drivers, and their insurers. The Cooper Law Firm are truck safety lawyers who work closely with victims and their families to help them seek damages following these kinds of accidents. Our firm can review your accident and determine whether a truck company or driver’s negligence resulted in your truck crash. Our firm may also be able to help you and your family navigate the insurance claims process. Truck companies are required to hold high-limit insurance policies, with some policies being as high as $1 million. If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, you may have the right to seek damages from insurers and truck companies. The Cooper Law Firm is one of the truck accident lawyers that USAttorneys.com can connect you with.
Important Truck Laws
Truck laws protect the safety of everyone on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets strict rules and laws that govern truck drivers and truck companies. There are many detailed laws on the books, and this list isn’t meant to be exhaustive, but here are some important laws that drivers and truck companies are required to follow.
- Health Exams for Drivers. Truck drivers must pass health exams that show that they are physically fit to operate a truck. While some drivers with certain medical conditions might be able to receive exemptions for certain conditions and medication, ultimately, drivers have a responsibility to inform their companies of any changes to their health and companies have a responsibility to vet their drivers.
- Hours of Service Laws. Drivers are limited in how long they can drive for a given shift. This depends on the type of commercial vehicle being driven.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing. Truck companies may have a responsibility to perform regular drug and alcohol testing on employees.
- Texting and Driving. Truck and bus drivers may be required to only use hands-free devices while driving, and commercial vehicle drivers are banned from texting and driving. Texting and driving carries stiff penalties for drivers.
- Loading Laws. Truck companies must properly secure loads and must not overload their trucks. When truck companies overload their vehicles, the risk that a vehicle can tip or fail to properly brake is increased.
- Maintenance. Truck companies have a responsibility to keep trucks in proper working order. Truck tire failure can result in a deadly loss of control of the vehicle. Brake failure can result in deadly crashes.
- Insurance Requirements. Truck companies and bus companies have a responsibility to maintain certain types of insurance policies to protect drivers and others on the road in the event of an accident.
While truck companies are required to follow the law, sometimes drivers or companies might cut corners. For example, some companies might put pressure on drivers to meet unreasonable driving schedules, which can lead to fatigued driving, violation of hours of service laws, and accidents. A truck safety law firm like the Cooper Law Firm can review shipping schedules, compare these schedules to a truck driver’s logs, and determine whether a driver violated hours of service laws. Sometimes drivers may fail to mention that they are taking certain types of medication or they may not report changes in their health status to their companies. This is where regular medical testing is important. If a truck company fails to properly vet its drivers and fails to ensure that drivers are safe to operate a vehicle, then the truck company could be held liable for accidents that occur. Finally, sometimes truck companies might cut corners when maintaining vehicles. Sometimes companies might refurbish tires or avoid maintaining regular maintenance schedules. This is where having a truck safety lawyer familiar with the law to review maintenance records can be helpful. The Cooper Law Firm are truck safety lawyers in Texas who may be able to help you with your claim if you’ve been hurt in a truck accident. Contact our firm today to learn more.
Holding Truck Companies Accountable in Texas When They Violate the Law
The Cooper Law Firm are truck safety lawyers in Texas who can fight for the rights of those who have been hurt in truck accidents due to truck safety violations on the part of drivers and truck companies. Having a lawyer familiar with trucking law can make an immense difference in your claim. Contact our truck safety lawyers today to learn more.
