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Trucking Accidents

Truck Accident Lawyer in Topeka, KS

Millions of Dollars Recovered for Our Clients

At Ralston, Pope & Diehl, LLC, we understand the frustration of being involved in any type of accident. However, trucking accidents are some of the most severe collisions. Even at low speeds, a commercial truck can cause catastrophic damage when it strikes a smaller car.

Our legal team is here to support you as you pursue a lawsuit against the responsible party.

Our Topeka trucking accident lawyers represent cases involving all types of commercial trucks, including:

  • Semi-trucks
  • Tanker trucks
  • Sanitation trucks
  • Delivery trucks
  • Courier trucks
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Cement mixer trucks
  • Dump truck

Call our firm right away at (785) 200-9465 or contact us online to make an appointment with a caring Topeka trucking accident lawyer.

Why Do I Need A Truck Accident Lawyer?

Recovering the compensation and justice you deserve after a truck accident can be much more difficult without an experienced attorney on your side. The main reason you need a truck accident attorney is because trucking companies are often backed by top-tier attorneys aimed at protecting their company, and in turn, keeping you from recovering the compensation you deserve.

The attorneys at Ralston, Pope & Diehl, LLC are experienced in handling these claims and know what to expect during the entire claims process. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.

What Are Hours of Service Regulations?

Federal law regulates how many hours truck drivers can spend on the road and when they must rest. The goal of these laws is to prevent overworking driver and to keep drivers and other motorists on the road safe. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that drivers are only allowed 14 hour work days.

These 14 hours include time spent driving, meals and rest breaks. After 14 hours the driver must rest for 10 consecutive hours or longer before beginning their next 14 hour work interval. Within this 14 hour work period a trucker is only allowed to drive for a total of 11 hours. Additionally drivers are required to include a 30 minute rest in their driving time.

The 60/70 Rule

The last rule is referred to as the 60/70 rule. This rule regulates how many consecutive days a trucker may drive. If a company is open 7 days a week, a trucker is only allowed to work 70 hours in a eight-day period.

Likewise, if a company is closed at least one day a week the trucker is allowed to drive 60 hours in a seven-day period. Once the weekly maximum is reached a driver is required to take at least 34 consecutive hours off

Liability and Truck Accidents

Unlike car accidents where the liable party is usually one driver who is easily identified, determining liability after a truck accident can take some amount of investigation. While this investigation can be a complicated process Ralston, Pope & Diehl, LLC is skilled in looking into truck accident claims and has the knowledge and tenacity to properly identify the appropriate party who can be held liable for your injuries.

Who is Held Responsible for a Truck Accident?

The first most obvious potential liable party is the truck driver themselves. Other parties who may be held responsible even though they were not at the scene of the accident include the trucking company or the truck manufacturer.

The trucking company is most often held liable, usually because they are often caught encouraging their drivers to break trucking regulations in order to help save their company time and money. A truck driver can be held responsible, most often when an accident was directly caused by the negligence of the driver, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Last, if an accident is found to be caused by a manufacturing defect of the truck, the truck manufacturer may be held liable.

What are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Kansas?

Large trucks cause a potential hazard due to their sheer size and weight. Drivers often are encouraged to drive long hours or violate regulations for the sake of getting the job done quickly. When the driver is improperly trained or any other factors come into play, it can cause a serious accident.

A few other causes of truck accidents include:

  • Improperly loaded cargo
  • Overloaded cargo
  • Fatigued driving
  • Drugged or drunk driving
  • Excessive speed
  • Improper qualifications
  • Violations of traffic laws

Work with a Trusted Law Firm

Regardless of the exact circumstances, if you were injured in an accident and believe the truck driver or company was at fault, you deserve justice. Our Topeka trucking accident attorneys have more than 10 decades of collective experience and we are here to help.

We strongly believe in seeking justice and fair compensation for our clients. The trucking company which is responsible for your accident should not be allowed to continue their illegal or unsafe practices.

Contact Ralston, Pope & Diehl, LLC at (785) 200-9465 now to learn more or schedule your free initial consultation with our trucking accident lawyer.

Client Testimonials

  • “Ralston, Pope & Diehl have an excellent group of lawyers.”

    - Richard S.
  • “The staff at Ralston, Pope & Diehl are very easy to work with.”

    - Former Client
  • “At Ralston, Pope & Diehl, you're treated fairly and they will do their best to get you the best outcome.”

    - Marcus M.
  • “I thought that I was taken care of as if I was a friend and not by someone I had never even met. Whenever I was feeling down and things just felt like they couldn't have been worse that day, I could ...”

    - Holly Hall
  • “Knowledgeable and professional. Top notch!”

    - Kaitlin A.
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Our Awards & Accolades

  • Best Law Firms in Kansas by U.S. News & World Report
    Best Law Firms in Kansas by U.S. News & World Report
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2017
    Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2017
  • Best Law Firm in Kansas by U.S. News
    Best Law Firm in Kansas by U.S. News
  • 10 Best in Client Satisfaction
    10 Best in Client Satisfaction
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
    National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
  • National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys
    National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys
  • Super Lawyers
    Super Lawyers
  • Kansas Trial Lawyers Association
    Kansas Trial Lawyers Association
  • AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
    AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
    American Society of Legal Advocates
  • Kansas Trial Lawyers Association
    Kansas Trial Lawyers Association
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Why Choose Us?

  • 130+ Years of Experience
  • Video Consultations Available During This Time
  • Highly Recommended by Other Legal Figures
  • Millions Dollar Advocates Forum Members
  • Nationally Recognized for Excellence & Client Satisfaction
  • Actively Involved in the Community
  • Named Top Attorneys in Kansas by Super Lawyers

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