Truck Accidents Caused By Violations Of Federal Regulations
Truck accidents often result in devastating injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. When these crashes are caused by violations of federal regulations, the consequences can be even more severe. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules are in place to ensure truck drivers and trucking companies operate safely. Unfortunately, when these regulations are ignored, it can lead to catastrophic collisions. As attorneys handling truck accident cases in Michigan, we understand how violations of these rules contribute to accidents and how Michigan law holds negligent parties accountable.
The FMCSA sets strict guidelines for issues like driver fatigue, truck maintenance, and cargo loading. When these rules are not followed, truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties can be held responsible. Michigan law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and other losses. Understanding how federal violations factor into these cases can make a significant difference when seeking justice.
Common Federal Regulation Violations That Lead To Accidents
Violations of federal trucking regulations can take many forms, and each poses a significant risk to others on the road. Some of the most common violations include:
- Hours Of Service Violations – FMCSA regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate before taking a rest break. Drivers who exceed these limits may become fatigued, leading to slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
- Improper Vehicle Maintenance – Federal rules require trucking companies to inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly. Issues like faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning lights can lead to accidents if not addressed.
- Overloaded Or Improperly Secured Cargo – Trucks must follow strict weight limits and cargo-securing procedures. Overloaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable or leading to debris falling onto the roadway.
- Driver Qualification Issues – Truck drivers must hold valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and meet other qualifications set by the FMCSA. Employing unqualified drivers is a violation that puts everyone on the road at risk.
Legal Liability For Federal Regulation Violations In Michigan
Michigan law allows victims of truck accidents to pursue claims against parties whose negligence caused their injuries. When federal regulation violations are involved, these violations can serve as evidence of negligence. Under Michigan law, trucking companies and drivers are required to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming others. Violations of FMCSA rules often demonstrate a clear failure to meet this standard.
In many cases, more than one party may be liable for an accident. For example:
- The Truck Driver – A driver who violates hours-of-service rules or drives while impaired may be held personally responsible.
- The Trucking Company – Companies can be liable for failing to maintain their vehicles, overloading trucks, or hiring unqualified drivers.
- Cargo Loaders – Third-party companies responsible for loading cargo may share liability if improper loading caused the crash.
Michigan’s comparative fault law (MCL 600.2959) may also come into play. This statute allows injured victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed 50%. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Compensation Available To Truck Accident Victims In Michigan
Victims of truck accidents caused by federal regulation violations may be entitled to compensation under Michigan law. This compensation can cover a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
When pursuing compensation, it is essential to gather evidence that clearly demonstrates the violation of federal regulations and its role in causing the accident. This may include driver logbooks, vehicle maintenance records, cargo loading documentation, and other critical pieces of evidence.
How We Build Strong Cases For Truck Accident Victims
When we represent clients in truck accident cases, we leave no stone unturned in uncovering evidence of federal regulation violations. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, review electronic logging device (ELD) data, and thoroughly investigate the trucking company’s practices. These steps allow us to build a strong case that demonstrates how the negligence of the truck driver, trucking company, or another party caused your injuries.
In Michigan, it is also crucial to meet the legal deadlines for filing a claim. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases (MCL 600.5805) is three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation.
Trucking Accident FAQs
What Federal Regulations Govern Trucking Safety?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the primary regulations for trucking safety. These include rules about hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo loading. These regulations are designed to prevent accidents by ensuring that trucks are operated safely and that drivers are adequately trained and rested. When these rules are violated, they can often serve as evidence of negligence in a truck accident claim.
How Can We Prove That A Federal Violation Caused A Truck Accident?
Proving that a federal violation caused a truck accident requires thorough investigation and evidence collection. Important evidence such as the at fault truck driver’s logbooks, electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and cargo weight reports must be collected. Eyewitness statements and expert testimony may also be used to establish how the violation contributed to the crash. By gathering this evidence, we can demonstrate that the responsible party failed to meet their duty of care, which directly led to the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable In A Truck Accident Involving Federal Violations?
Liability in truck accidents can extend to multiple parties. Truck drivers may be held responsible if they violate regulations or act negligently. The trucking company may also be liable for failing to enforce safety protocols, maintain their vehicles, or properly train drivers. Third-party companies might also share liability if their negligence contributed to the accident. We evaluate all potential sources of liability to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Receive Under Michigan Law?
Under Michigan law, truck accident victims may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering emotional distress, and property damage. If the accident results in a wrongful death, the victim’s family may also recover damages for funeral costs and loss of companionship. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.
How Does Michigan’s Comparative Fault Law Affect Truck Accident Claims?
Michigan’s comparative fault law allows victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the accident, as long as their share of fault does not exceed 50%. However, the compensation is reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault. For example, if the victim is found to be 20% at fault, their compensation will be reduced by 20%. This law ensures that victims can still recover damages even when they share some responsibility for the crash.
Call Our Detroit Truck Accident Attorney For A Free Consultation
At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we are dedicated to helping victims of truck accidents caused by federal regulation violations. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and will work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, let us help you navigate the legal process.
Contact our Detroit truck accident attorney at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. We represent clients throughout the state of Michigan. Let us stand by your side and fight for your rights.
