Legal Counsel for Haverhill Truck Accident Victims
Haverhill is located on the Merrimack River in Essex County, 35 miles north of Boston and 17 miles from the Atlantic coast. Initially a Puritan farming community, it became a shipbuilding and leather industries center in the early 19th century, reaching its industrial peak in the 1920s. Today, Haverhill industries include production of computerized systems, electrical products, and shoes, in addition to services and retail trade.
The Haverhill City Council has received numerous complaints from residents about constant loud noise from heavy truck traffic through residential areas, as reported in Wavelengths. Mill Street and Hilldale Avenue near the New Hampshire border are particularly affected.
The more trucks on the road, the greater the risk of a catastrophic collision. If you or your loved one has been injured in a wreck involving a semi-truck, it is important to speak with an experienced Haverhill personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
What Regulations Govern How Truckers and Trucking Companies Operate?
Truckers in Massachusetts are subject to Commonwealth laws and local ordinances. They are also subject to federal regulations, issued and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The agency’s complex body of regulations covers multiple aspects of the trucking industry, including:
- Mandatory minimum insurance coverage for commercial carriers
- Transportation of hazardous materials
- Inspection, repair, and maintenance of vehicles
- Qualifications for driver and their instructors
- Hours of service limits for drivers
- Commercial driver licensing standards
- Driver testing for alcohol and drug use
How Do Truckers and Trucking Companies Cause Accidents on Massachusetts Roads?
Nationwide in 2021, fatalities in crashes involving large trucks increased by 13% from the previous year, as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In Massachusetts alone, truck crash fatalities increased by 63% in a recent 10-year period, as reported by the Institute for Safer Trucking. Negligent truck drivers and trucking companies can cause accidents in many ways, including:
- Driving under the influence of drugs: Researchers found an increased prevalence of drug use among truck drivers compared to the general population in a recent study published in the National Library of Medicine. The overall prevalence of amphetamine use among truckers was found to be 21.3%. Cocaine use was also found to be higher among truck drivers than the general population. Legally prescribed medications can also affect driver performance, leading to a deadly collision.
- Unsafe lane changes: Every enclosed vehicle has blind spots, but they are much larger on a semi tractor-trailer. To avoid colliding with other vehicles, truck drivers must carefully check blind spots before changing lanes. When they fail to do so, other motorists can be seriously injured.
- Negligent hiring practices: The nation is currently experiencing a major shortage of truck drivers. Trucking companies hit by the labor shortage may hire inexperienced drivers who lack the skills to safely operate big rigs. They may also fail to thoroughly review an applicant’s driving and accident record, run a criminal background check, or get a certification from a doctor that the driver is medically fit.
- Improper braking: A higher skill level is required for safely operating a big rig. Drivers must be proficient in proper braking techniques, particularly on downhill grades. Improper braking can cause the truck to jackknife, roll over, or otherwise go out of control. It can also cause a runaway trailer accident if the trailer detaches from the cab.
If you have been hurt in a Haverhill truck accident, contact DiBella Law Offices, P.C. at (978) 327-5140. We are a nationally recognized law firm with a history of success for our clients. Our firm has been devoted to helping injured people in Massachusetts and New Hampshire for nearly two decades.
We are committed to providing valuable information and resources to assist you.
