New Federal Law Cracks Down on Trucking Companies, Driver Fatigue Addressed

With truck driver fatigue among the top causes of fatal truck accidents in the U.S., the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (of the U.S. Department of Transportation) has decided to crack down on the trucking companies and drivers who violate hours-of-service regulations. Putting the drivers of other vehicles at-risk, companies that allow drivers to violate the maximum number of hours behind the wheel have been responsible for the tragic loss of thousands of lives in the nation and the state of Virginia. Aiming to reduce the number of truck accidents drastically, the new federal rule, which will take effect June 1, 2012, requires commercial bus and trucking companies with significant hours-of-service violations to install "black boxes" in all vehicles. Formally known as electric on-board recorders, black boxes automatically record how many hours drivers spend in operation of a motor vehicle.

Why are violations of hours and driver fatigue so common among truck drivers? What many Norfolk truck accident victims and other Virginia crash survivors may know is that truck drivers violate hour restrictions and continue to drive when exhausted in order to reach destinations more quickly or meet deadlines on time. What many do not realize, however, is that many trucking companies set unrealistic delivery deadlines for their drivers, contributing to the deadly habit. In other words, in a Norfolk truck accident caused by driver fatigue, both the truck driver and trucking company may be negligent.

If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a Virginia or Norfolk accident involving a large truck, you may not realize that special laws apply to accidents like yours. Even if the truck driver is not found negligent in the crash, the trucking company, manufacturer, or another party may be liable for injuries, depending on the unique factors of your accident. If the truck company or driver is at fault, there may be significantly more insurance coverage available to cover your medical costs and other expenses, although every case is different.

For more information on the unique laws for truck accidents in Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Eastern Shore, Newport News, or another part of Virginia, feel free to contact Virginia injury lawyer Lawrence Land. You may request a free copy of his latest book, 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim, or speak to him personally about your specific case for free. Contact Land online or call him toll-free at 800-800-1911.

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