Trucking Accident Areas

Truck Driver Responsibilities

Truck Driver Responsibilities

The people who drive large commercial trucks (those weighing more than 10,000 pounds) have added responsibilities to reduce the number of people injured and killed in car-truck collisions. Federal interstate trucking regulations as well as Arizona intrastate trucking regulations govern everything from what routes trucks can drive on to how truckers are allowed to drive. For example, tractor-trailers aren't allowed to pass on highways going up to Flagstaff. Semi truck drivers are also required to maintain logbooks and to take required rest breaks to reduce fatigue.

However, truck drivers, who are paid by the mile, are under economic pressure to cover long distances. As a result, many falsify logbooks and drive for more hours than the law allows without a rest break (11 hours after 10 consecutive off-duty hours). Some truckers take amphetamines to help them stay awake. Others speed, tailgate, and perform other aggressive driving maneuvers to cut time.

According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, more than one-fourth of the truck drivers who are involved in fatal crashes in 2004 had at least one prior speeding conviction. Seven percent of truck drivers had a previous license suspension or revocation. Many trucking companies negligently hire drivers with bad driving records because they want to move cargo at the cheapest possible price.

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an accident involving a large, commercial truck, please contact our attorneys for legal assistance as soon as possible. Our lawyers will work to find out if the truck driver or the trucking company is responsible for causing the accident and, if so, seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future wages, pain and suffering, disability, and other damages.

Free Initial Consultation

We offer a free initial consultation for victims of trucking accidents. If you cannot make it to our office, we will come to you at the hospital or at your home.

Contact the Phoenix, Arizona truck accident attorneys at HPC today at 602.271.9344.

What to Expect in your Initial Meeting
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