Paragould, AR Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents often lead to devastating consequences in Paragould. However, if you have been involved in an accident caused by a trucker’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated.

Trucking companies and drivers are required to follow strict safety regulations to ensure the safety of other drivers and pedestrians on the road. However, not all of them do. When you suffer harm, our attorneys are ready to assist you in asserting your rights and pursuing the compensation you are entitled to. We understand the many complexities involved in truck accident cases and know what evidence will be needed to prove your claim. We have the experience to handle every aspect of your case while you and your family focus on your recovery.

Call us today at (479) 316-0438 to receive your free case assessment with our truck accident lawyers.

Regulations Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Must Follow in Paragould, AR

The regulations governing truck drivers and trucking companies in Paragould are extensive and designed to promote safety on the roads. From hours of service rules to driver qualifications, these regulations play a crucial role in reducing the risk of truck-related accidents. When these regulations are violated and cause injuries, our truck accident attorneys are ready to help you hold the violator accountable. The following are regulations that must be observed in Paragould:

Hours of Service Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces several regulations critical to ensuring road safety. One of the most significant regulations pertains to hours of service. This regulation lays out strict guidelines regarding how long a truck driver can operate without taking a break.

The rule mandates that truck drivers might operate a maximum of 11 hours after taking ten consecutive hours off duty. This regulation is of utmost importance as it helps prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue, which can be a significant risk factor for both the driver and other motorists on the road.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

One of the most crucial regulations affecting the trucking industry concerns mandatory drug and alcohol testing for truck drivers. According to the FMCSA rules, trucking companies are required to establish and implement a testing program that encompasses pre-employment screening, random testing, and post-accident testing.

Pre-employment screening tests are conducted before hiring a new driver to ensure that they are free of any drug or alcohol abuse problems. Random testing is conducted periodically throughout the year, without prior notice, to ensure drivers stay clean and sober.

Post-accident testing is carried out after a driver is involved in an accident that meets certain criteria, such as when someone is injured or killed or when the vehicle needs to be towed away.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection

The FMCSA has also set certain standards for the maintenance and inspection of these vehicles to ensure safety on the road. According to FMCSA regulations, trucking companies are required to establish a systematic and comprehensive inspection, repair, and maintenance program for all motor vehicles under their control. This includes ensuring that all essential components, such as brakes, tires, lights, and steering systems, are in good working order.

In addition to this, drivers are also responsible for conducting pre-trip inspections to verify that the vehicle is in a safe and roadworthy condition before embarking on a journey. During these inspections, drivers must thoroughly examine various parts of the vehicle, including the brakes, tires, windshield wipers, mirrors, and other safety features. They must also report any defects or issues that could affect the vehicle’s safety to the appropriate authority.

If an accident occurs, inspection records can be obtained to determine whether failure to maintain or inspect the vehicle caused it.

Load Restrictions

The FMCSA also regulates truckload limits. These regulations are designed to prevent overloading, which can pose significant risks to the driver and others on the road.

The rules stipulate the maximum weight, length, and width that a commercial truck can carry based on its size and type. The weight limit is particularly vital as overloading can lead to increased stopping distances, making it harder to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Furthermore, overloading can also cause the truck to become unstable, leading to rollovers and other accidents.

Driver Qualifications

Lastly, truck drivers must meet specific qualifications before operating a commercial vehicle. These include holding a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), passing a physical examination, and completing a driver’s road test. Furthermore, drivers must be at least 21 years old to drive interstate and must be able to read and speak English well enough to converse with the general public and understand traffic signs and signals.

Common Injuries Sustained in Paragould, AR Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Paragould often result in severe injuries that can have long-lasting impacts on victims’ lives. However, you can get compensation to cover these injuries if they were negligently caused. The following are common injuries sustained in Paragould truck accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

One of the most severe injuries that victims of truck accidents in Paragould, AR, often sustain is traumatic brain injury (TBI). This injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain, such as when an individual’s head hits the windshield or steering wheel in a collision. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive issues, memory loss, and behavioral changes.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are another common type of injury resulting from truck accidents. These injuries can occur because of the forceful impact of the collision, causing damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. This can lead to permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury, including paralysis.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones and fractures are also frequently seen in truck accident victims. The intense impact of a collision with a truck can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. Depending on the severity of the fracture, victims might require multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy to regain function and mobility.

Internal Injuries

Truck accidents can also lead to internal injuries, which are often life-threatening. These can include damage to organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Internal bleeding is a serious concern and requires immediate medical attention.

Psychological Trauma

Lastly, the psychological trauma associated with truck accidents should not be overlooked. Victims often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues following the accident. These mental health conditions can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life and might require long-term therapy and treatment.

Our Paragould, AR Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

For a free case review with our truck accident attorneys, contact us by calling (479) 316-0438.