GOP lawmakers in Washington recently blocked some truck driver fatigue rules, and safety advocates feel that bold move may be just the beginning.
Previously, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued rules that require truckers to take at least two consecutive nights off if they work more than 75 hours in any one week, and also requiring that at least part of that rest period be between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. But Congressional Republicans added a provision to a must-pass spending bill that prevents these rules from going into effect. Furthermore, with the GOP in control of the presidency and both houses of Congress beginning in January, shipping industry lobbyists plan to push legislation allowing large trucks to be longer and heavier than ever before. While some advocates, like Joan Claybrook, feel that shipping companies “don’t care about safety no matter what they say,” both truckers and owners have consistently fought such regulations, saying they are intrusive and may stifle innovation in the area of driverless trucks. [Read more…] about Republicans Eye Trucker Deregulation
18-Wheeler Accident
Fireball 18-Wheeler Wreck On I-20
A motorist was killed when she collided with a large truck on Interstate 20.
The truck wreck occurred near Kilgore. According to police and witnesses, 62-year-old Melvin Edwards, of Shreveport, was operating his 18-wheeler eastbound in the outside lane when 77-year-old Amando Vega, of Chicago, Ill., pulled from the improvised shoulder onto the outside lane very close to Mr. Edwards’ truck. Upon impact, Mr. Vega’s car hit the guardrail and then ping-ponged back into the outside lane, where it became wedged between the large truck’s cab and trailer. The entangled vehicles caught fire and eventually came to rest on the improvised shoulder.
Mr. Vega was declared dead at the scene; Mr. Edwards was rushed to a nearby hospital, but he is expected to survive his injuries. [Read more…] about Fireball 18-Wheeler Wreck On I-20
The Dangers of Overweight Trucks
At some point in our lives, we have all seen the “oversize load” or “wide load” signs on large trucks traveling on the roadways. Transportation of these loads is necessary for construction, manufacturing, and other industries. But, if the loads are not in compliance with weight limits imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration (FMCSA), it can cause a serious risk to the truck driver and particularly to other motorists.
What Is Considered An Overweight Truck?
The maximum weight allowed on the roadways by federal law is 80,000 pounds. This includes the weight of the truck itself, so the cargo must be less than the maximum minus the truck weight. However, there is more to weight compliance than just the maximum weight allowed. The number of axles on the truck and how far apart they are spaced also limit the maximum amount of weight a truck can carry. While the formulas for determining maximum weight might seem complicated, there are numerous weigh stations where trucks can be inspected to ensure they are following federal regulations. It is the trucking companies’ responsibility to ensure their trucks are not overweight.
Dangers Of Overweight Trucks
Overweight trucks can cause devastating accidents in a variety of ways. Excessive weight makes trucks more difficult to control and take longer to come to a complete stop. Additionally, the weight can easily cause tire blowouts, which can cause total loss of control of the truck. Perhaps the greatest threat of overweight trucks is the increased likelihood of a truck rollover. Truck rollover occurs because extra weight moves a truck’s center of gravity, making it unstable. Rollovers can cause major accidents and devastating damage to other motorists on the roadway.
How Do Trucks Get Overloaded?
Because of their weight and size, trucks have the potential to cause more damage than other motor vehicles. Trucking companies have a responsibility to follow the safety guidelines imposed on them, but they do not always do so. In an effort to meet tight deadlines and cut costs, some companies may overload a truck, but this can have deadly consequences.
Louisiana Overweight Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident with an overweight truck, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and hold the negligent parties responsible. Contact the experienced Lake Charles personal injury attorneys at Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Sources:
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/Freight/sw/permit_report/index.htm
Driver Fatigue Can Cause an 18-Wheeler Accident
Sharing Louisiana roadways with semi-trucks can make many drivers nervous under the best of circumstances. When a truck driver is overtired, he or she puts everyone on the road at risk of an 18-wheeler accident. Injuries suffered in these crashes are often more serious than those between passenger vehicles and frequently result in fatalities.
The demands of the trucking industry often compels drivers to push themselves beyond what is considered reasonable by federal and Louisiana law. Some drivers fail to take the rest breaks they are required to take and may take stimulants in an attempt to stay alert. In either case, the driver’s capacity to control his or her vehicle is diminished.
Every truck driver is required to keep a logbook. Rest breaks, driving time and fuel receipts are just some of the information contained in the logbook. If a trucker is driving for longer than he or she should, it is possible that the logbook may be falsified.
A review of this logbook could reveal important evidence in any civil action filed as the result of an accident involving a fatigued driver. Any discrepancies found could point to the fact that the driver was negligent. Proving negligence is required in order to recover damages in a wrongful death or personal injury claim.
If you or a family member was involved in an 18-wheeler accident, and it is suspected that the driver was tired and/or taking stimulants, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible in order to gather the evidence required to prove negligence. Moreover, the driver’s employer may also be joined in the claim based on the legal theory of respondeat superior wherein an employer can be held liable for the actions of the driver. A successfully litigated claim may lead to an award of damages that could help defray the financial losses typically seen in these accidents.
Multiple 18-Wheeler Accident Causes Chaos on Louisiana Bridge
It took law enforcement officials and crews from two states to investigate and clean up a crash that occurred on the Louisiana side of a bridge on Interstate 20. During the multiple 18-wheeler accident, a truck carrying sodium hydroxide was rear-ended. The flammable and corrosive liquid began leaking into the river, requiring a response from hazardous material teams.
At first, authorities believed the chemical leaking into the river was chloropropionic acid. The acid is a chemical used in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. It was not until later that officials properly identified the chemical.
The initial accident involved six semi-trucks on the Mississippi River Bridge. Additional collisions occurred afterward. Reports indicate that several vehicles were involved in addition to the trucks. Numerous injuries were reported, but fortunately, no fatalities occurred in any of those accidents.
Louisiana State Police did not reveal whether they know how the initial accident among the semi-trucks happened. It could take some time to sort out the details of not only the initial accident, but also the collisions that subsequently occurred. The nature and extent of the injuries suffered in the crashes were not reported.
In accordance with Louisiana law, many of the injured may be entitled to file personal injury claims seeking damages for the injuries suffered in connection with this 18-wheeler accident. The challenge could be to determine which driver or drivers may be deemed financially responsible. In these cases, police reports could prove useful in seeking to establish liability. If negligence is proved, a civil court may consider an award of damages to cover medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.