Trucking Accident Attorneys in Topeka

• 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 to make an appointment with a caring Topeka trucking accident lawyer.

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 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.

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.

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 us now to learn more or schedule your free initial consultation.