PUTTING YOUR NEEDS FIRST

The federal motor carrier safety regulations have stringent safety requirements which must be adhered to by the owners, operators, and lessees of 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other big rig trucks. There are many laws and rules which regulate their equipment and the licensing, qualifications of drivers, hiring, and supervision, record keeping, maintenance of vehicles, notification of driver violations, alcohol and controlled substances, insurance requirements, supervision and other safety-related regulations. Following an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer or delivery driver accident, it is important to act immediately to preserve evidence and determine whether or not there has been a violation of federal law.

When a hazardous substance or liquid is being transported, an 18-wheeler or big rig accident can be especially dangerous. There are many large trucks which transport flammable and other hazardous liquids and materials. Accidents involving these vehicles can cause severe burn injuries and other catastrophic injuries to anyone on the road.

Often times, a truck accident is caused by the negligence of a driver on the road rather than the truck driver himself. Many of these accidents are caused by one of the following factors:

• Swerving or cutting in front of a truck
• Drunk driving
• Driving too close behind a truck
• Driving in the "blind spot" of the truck

It is critical that a proper investigation begin immediately to determine whether or not the driver of the 18-wheeler or other big rig is at fault, or whether another driver might be at fault. We have extensive experience in investigating and handling these types of truck accidents.

We will obtain all safety inspection reports, maintenance logs, state and federal certifications and any other records or data which may be available to determine whether or not the truck driver may be legally responsible for the accident. We will investigate the scene of the accident, including procurement of all applicable accident reports, examine skid marks, take statements from eyewitnesses, analyze the driving and weather conditions, and obtain any other critical evidence from the accident scene. There is always a possibility we may determine another individual or entity is legally responsible for your injuries because of negligent entrustment. This arises when an individual or company allows an individual to operate a commercial vehicle who is not qualified, or because of his past driving record, he should not be operating a commercial vehicle.

At Law Offices of John R. Campbell Jr., you can discuss the circumstances surrounding the truck accident and the profound impact it has had on you and your family. There are numerous state and federal regulations which govern the trucking industry. It is important to retain an experienced attorney to initiate an investigation into the cause of the accident and to legally pursue your claim if it is determined another party is legally responsible for your injuries and damages. It is critical that all evidence be preserved and examined by experts if necessary.

Trucking accidents can be caused by many factors including failure to control the truck, defective equipment, unqualified drivers, passing or changing lanes in an unsafe manner, driver inattention, speeding, failure to use brakes, leaving a truck on the road, drug or alcohol use, following too closely and numerous other causes. It is also possible the trucking company which owns the truck or who has hired the driver, can be held legally responsible for failing to properly train the driver. We may find them guilty of violating certain statutes and regulations, hiring poor drivers, encouraging drivers to speed, improper supervising of drivers, failing to screen for drug or alcohol abuses and improperly maintaining the vehicles. The company can also be held legally liable for negligent entrustment of the truck to a driver who they knew (or should have known) was not qualified to operate the vehicle. Contact a Kansas City truck accident attorney today.