Semi trucks travel all across the country, transporting cargo to its rightful destination. In order to transport the amount of cargo required, these commercial trucks must have the necessary size and weight capacity. It is their size and weight that makes trucks dangerous, which is why they are governed under strict federal regulations. Operating such a machine safely takes skill and alertness. Unfortunately, the safe operation of a big rig is not foremost in every truck driver’s mind. Although faulty manufacturing or defective design does play its part in truck accidents in Maryland and throughout the nation, truck driver negligence or error is the most common cause.
The most frequent form of truck driver negligence is fatigued driving. All aspects of a truck’s operation are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including how many consecutive hours a big rig operator may drive. These rules are established under the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Required daily log books are supposed to show compliance with these rules.
Although truck drivers are required to obey these rules, many don’t. Drivers usually violate HOS regulations to make unreasonable delivery schedules on time, or to earn bonuses for early delivery. Either way, it is unacceptable. Driving while drowsy or fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Both mental and physical performance is retarded when the body and mind are fatigued, causing slow reaction speeds, lane drifting, inconsistent speeds, and other dangerous consequences. Other forms of tractor-trailer driver negligence include:
- Speeding;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Driving distracted;
- Overloading the trailer; and
- Untimely or improper truck maintenance.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maryland big rig accident caused by truck driver negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses. Contact the experienced Baltimore tractor trailer accident attorney, Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” today at (877) 228-4878 to discuss your potential personal injury claim.
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