A serious truck accident can cause terrible damage. Due to the larger size and weight of the vehicle, when a large truck is involved in an accident with a car, motorcycle, or pedestrian, the results can be quite catastrophic. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident of this nature, it is important to consult with a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An accident of this type is very different from a typical one involving automobiles. One of the main differences is that you should know that there are state and federal laws involving trucks that need to be considered.

You may not be fully aware that regulations may control how soon you can receive compensation for your injuries. Those laws cover drivers as well as the company that owns and operates the trucks, as well as helping to determine liability and responsibility. If the cause of the accident was found to be due to driver negligence or error, that will make all the difference in resolving your case. Some of the federal laws that govern the industry are as follows:

• There are very strict guidelines regarding the amount of time a driver can be behind the wheel and get enough sleep.

• A commercial license is required to drive an 18-wheeler.

• Weight requirements are very strictly enforced. Any violation such as driving an overloaded vehicle can lead to a serious accident

Federal laws are controlled and enforced by the FMCSA -Fed Motor Carrier Safety Admin and the DOT- Department of Transportation. Generally speaking, all states have their own departments that handle traffic control laws and guidelines.

If you or a family member were involved in a large truck accident that was clearly the fault of the actions of the truck driver and/or the business owner, you will need the services of an experienced, top-tier personal injury attorney who can help you. I’ve handled a case like this before. Some of the things your attorney will need to investigate include the general operations of the truck, such as maintenance records, driver history, and licenses. Other factors that may be important include inspections, legal weight and size limits, routes used by the truck, and weigh station records.

Obviously, a big rig accident is more complicated than a normal car accident. Just investigations alone are very time consuming. Reviewing all of the truck’s records and seeing if they are legally compliant is an important part of your case. The right attorney will have a team of people who are experienced and capable of figuring out all the details of your situation.