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Truck Accident Attorney in St. Paul, MN

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides extensive and strict rules for truck drivers and their employers regarding operation, loading, and maintenance of commercial trucks. Failure to comply with these regulations in any way could result in a serious truck accident with devastating consequences.

FMCSA Regulations

When loaded to capacity, big rig trucks can weigh as much as 40 tons. This much weight with added momentum can only result in serious damages in the event of a collision. Common injuries include whiplash, broken bones, brain injury, and spinal cord damage.

Another of these regulations is called the hours of service regulations which governs how long truck drivers can be on the road and when they must rest.

The hours of service regulations state that:

  • Truck drivers can work up to a 14-hour day
  • Within this 14-hour time period, truckers can only drive for 11 of these hours
  • After the 14-hour workday limit is reached, drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before beginning another 14-hour work period
  • Truckers also must take days off work at regular intervals. If their company is open seven days a week a driver is only allowed to work 70 hours in an eight-day period before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off. Likewise, if their company is open less than seven days a week than a driver is only allowed to work 60 hours in a seven-day period before taking 34 hours off

While it is not uncommon to find trucking companies breaking these rules, there are also times these regulations are modified by the FMCSA in times of national emergencies, such as in the recent COVID-19 crisis. When this happens, other drivers on the road at a greater risk of getting in an accident with a fatigued and overworked truck driver.

Our St. Paul Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help

Speak with a St. Paul truck accident lawyer immediately if you’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial truck. An attorney from Rob Roe Law, LLC will begin investigating your case immediately to determine the cause of your accident to establish liability.

The truck driver could have been negligent, tired, or intoxicated at the time of the crash. The accident may have also been the result of improper maintenance or unsecured cargo, which can both be the fault of the driver or a negligent employer. Our firm has experience handling all types of truck accident claims and is not afraid to go up against the big insurance companies, so call now to schedule an appointment.

Who is Liable After a Commercial Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident isn’t as straightforward as one might think. There are many possible parties who can be held accountable after a truck accident, in some cases more than one party can be found responsible. While there are many options, the parties found liable most often are:

  • The Truck Driver — A truck driver can be responsible if their behavior or negligence led to the accident. It’s also possible for the driver to be held accountable if they own the truck that caused the accident.
  • The Company the Trucker Drives For — More often than not, the trucking company is found liable for an accident. All too often companies are caught encouraging their drivers to break trucking rules and regulations in order to help save their company money.
  • The Truck Manufacturer — If the accident was caused by a defective part then the truck manufacturer may be held responsible.

Whatever the cause of your accident, our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to investigate your accident case in order to hold the correct parties accountable for their actions. Our firm is ready to fight for you, contact us today to learn more!

Retain an Aggressive Truck Accident Injury Lawyer

Call For A Free Consultation

Damages caused by truck accidents can be ongoing, even if you don’t realize it right away. Only an experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to examine every detail of your case and determine whether or not you may require future compensation, as well.

The legal team at Rob Roe Law, LLC, can help you obtain all the medical evidence you need to maximize your compensation, so contact our firm at 651-319-8112 for a free case consultation. The sooner you contact a St. Paul truck accident attorney, the better your chances will be of recovering the full amount of your damages.