Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents

Federal and state laws

Truck drivers are subject to specific laws that do not apply to those driving cars, which can affect liability in truck accidents in Jupiter.  Federal laws regulate the number of consecutive hours that a semi truck operator may spend driving.  Semi truck accidents in Jupiter can often result when truck operators do not adhere to these guidelines and operate their vehicles while fatigued. 

Drivers are also required by law to keep a record of their work and rest periods for the previous seven days.  Truck drivers are required to thoroughly inspect their vehicles and report defects.  They may not legally operate a vehicle that is in poor condition.  If a driver breaks any of these rules and is then involved in a tractor-trailer accident in Jupiter, there could be serious legal implications.

Liability

In addition to the truck driver’s obligation to comply with all federal and state laws, there are many more entities that may share liability in a trucking accident than in a car accident.  Parties that may have liability in a Jupiter trucking accident include the following:

• The trucking company that owns the vehicle and employs the driver

• The truck loading company that may have overloaded the truck causing rollover

• The truck and parts manufacturers that may be responsible for defective parts

• The federal, state, or local road authorities that may be liable for unsafe road conditions that cause 18-wheeler accidents in Jupiter

Catastrophic effects

A major difference between truck accidents and car accidents is that due to their size and weight, large trucks are more likely than cars to cause catastrophic damage or death when they are involved in accidents.  In Jupiter, 18-wheeler accidents are more likely than car accidents to involve multiple vehicles.  Even more than car accidents, trucking accidents in Jupiter can have devastating consequences for those sharing the road with these large trucks.

Jupiter tractor-trailer accident attorneys 

If you are involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Jupiter, you need an experienced attorney who understands all of the factors that make Jupiter trucking accidents complex and different from car accidents.  The attorneys at Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, P.L. have the necessary experience with Jupiter semi truck accidents to get you the compensation you deserve.  Contact us today for a free consultation.

If  you or a loved one has been involved in or has questions regarding a trucking accident, please call the Law Office of  Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, P.L. at 561.622.0622, or send an e-mail to info@injuryattorneysforjustice.com.