Trucking Industry Rules and Regulations and Protecting Evidence After a Semi-Truck Accident

Semi-truck accidents are terrifying experiences for all involved because of the size of these massive vehicles. The aftermath of such an accident might seem even more chaotic than usual because of the rules and regulations that govern the trucking industry. Therefore, gathering and protecting evidence might not be as easy as it may be for other accident types. Sutliff & Stout has an extensive background in helping individuals who have been involved in such incidents to ensure that they have the standing to process a compensation claim.

One of the best ways is to protect evidence following a semi-truck accident, so that you can prove your case should you opt to pursue compensation. Since you are dealing with a corporate entity, protecting evidence is even more important than it might be after an accident with an individual.

Rules and Regulations of Trucking Industry for Semi-Truck Accidents

Among the most common trucking industry rules and regulations considered in semi-truck accidents are hours of service. Truck drivers have limits on the number of hours they can drive imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These regulations govern the consecutive number of hours a truck driver can drive each day and the number of hours they can log in seven days. Truck drivers have to log these hours in a logbook. The purpose of this regulation, in particular, is to help avoid the fatigue that can contribute to accidents.

However, some drivers falsify this logbook to continue driving, while others bow to pressure from corporate managers who are more concerned with the company’s bottom line than with safety. Qualified hiring is another regulation sometimes flouted by the industry. This regulation was implemented to ensure that semi-truck drivers have the proper qualifications and experience to operate these large vehicles before getting on the road with other motorists. Hiring considerations account for experience and driving record, medical history, and drug and alcohol use.

What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident

If you have been in an accident with a semi-truck, the first thing you should do is call 911, so you can seek medical attention and file a police report. The next step is a call to a Texas truck accident lawyer to help you deal with the details specific to this accident type. Depending on the circumstances, the company responsible for the truck may try to get to you first, offering you a settlement or trying to get you to admit fault before you have had a chance to figure out what happened for yourself.

This is why working with a team like the folks at Sutliff & Stout is beneficial. Our experience taking on major corporate conglomerates can be helpful during the period after a collision when you might be pressured into taking a settlement that ultimately does not benefit you.

Protecting Evidence after a Semi-Truck Accident

One of the steps you will likely take after a semi-truck accident is protecting any evidence that might help your case down the road. Taking pictures of the accident aftermath can be extremely helpful in determining if evidence was tampered with after the incident. Any photos or videos you can take of the scene may help establish your case for later compensation.

Noting details in the initial police report or insurance claim can also be beneficial. We will also take steps to protect evidence, summoning copies of pertinent documentation relating to the accident, including the police report, surveillance footage and eyewitness statements.

Reach Out to a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately Following a Collision

Texas semi-truck accidents can be a stressful experience for all involved, especially when it comes to amassing evidence to support a compensation claim. Working with a reputable Texas truck accident lawyer can be helpful to ensure that you get the outcome you desire from your case. Sutliff & Stout has an extensive background in working with those victimized in trucking accidents to garner damages to help with the expenses of a collision. We may be able to help with your case as well.

Trucking companies typically focus on protecting their drivers and interests regarding truck accident cases. Don’t allow that to happen to you. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (713) 987-7111 or reach out to us online to learn more.