Legal Representation for Truck Accident Victims
Chelsea, Massachusetts is located directly across the Mystic River from Boston. Although it is the smallest, it is also the second most densely populated city in the state. Chelsea is home to the Battle of Chelsea, the historic second battle of the American Revolution. Downtown Chelsea Square contains fine mid-19th century and early 20th century architecture. Over the past few years, the city has seen a great business revival and is currently flourishing.
Chelsea has long-established industrial areas around the northern reaches of Boston’s inner harbor, and significant truck access routes pass through the city. With increased truck traffic in recent years, the risk of a deadly collision with a semi-truck is also greater. If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced Chelsea truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
How Are Truckers and Trucking Companies Regulated?
Truck drivers and trucking companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This federal agency issues and enforces a long list of regulations that commercial motor vehicle operators and the companies that employ them must follow. Among many other things, these regulations specify:
- How many consecutive hours truckers are allowed to drive without a break
- How trucking companies must conduct pre-employment checks for drivers
- How often drivers must be drug and alcohol tested
- How and when drivers must inspect their vehicles
- How cargo must be secured
What Acts of Negligence Can Lead to Deadly Truck Accidents?
A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds or more. When a large commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle weighing an average of 4,000 pounds, occupants of the smaller vehicle can sustain serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. Common ways in which truck drivers and trucking companies cause deadly accidents include:
- Fatigued driving: Truck drivers may violate hours of service regulations established by FMCSA to help prevent driver fatigue, particularly when they are under pressure from the companies that employ them to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines. When truckers fall asleep at the wheel, it presents a serious risk for others on the roadway.
- Speeding: Traveling too fast for conditions is a contributing factor in many truck accidents. Big rigs need more time and distance to stop than other vehicles, and the faster they are traveling, the more time and distance they need to avoid a crash. Truck drivers with delivery deadlines to meet may speed to get the trip done faster.
- Improper lane changes: Large commercial trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. Truckers who fail to carefully check their blind spots before changing lanes can slam into other vehicles.
- Improper vehicle maintenance: Trucking companies are subject to federal regulations that require regular inspections, maintenance, and repair of their trucks and trailers. When they cut corners in these areas, it can result in brake failure, tire blowouts, and other equipment failure that can lead to catastrophic collisions.
Other causes of Chelsea truck accidents include overloaded trucks, runaway trailers, and improper braking techniques that cause big rigs to jackknife or roll over.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Why Do You Need a Chelsea Truck Accident Lawyer?
You should not have to foot the bill for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses related to a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Truck accidents are complex cases that cause serious injuries and involve multiple potentially liable parties and state and federal regulations. Your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced Chelsea personal injury attorney handling your claim.
Contact DiBella Law Offices, P.C. at (978) 327-5140. We offer a free consultation with no obligation.
We are committed to providing valuable information and resources to assist you.
