Medford Truck Accident Lawyer

Advocates for Medford Truck Accident Victims

Medford is located on the Mystic River, 6.7 miles northwest of downtown Boston. Its population grew to 57,341 in 2019. Incorporated in 1892, the city was a center of industry where tile, brick, and rum were manufactured. Medford is home to one of the biggest jewel heists and bank robberies of all time. Today, the site of the robbery is a restaurant, where the hole in the ceiling the robbers crawled through has been preserved. Other Medford attractions include Amelia Earhart’s residence and the world-renowned Tufts University.

Large commercial trucks are prohibited from using Route 16 (Mystic Valley Parkway). Consequently, truck traffic in Medford is diverted onto other local streets, including Route 60 (Salem Street-High Street) and South Street. Both High Street and Salem Street are narrow and ill-suited to truck traffic. The City of Medford receives complaints from the South Street area about truck traffic and noise.

Along with the noise, heavy truck traffic brings an increased risk of being involved in a truck accident. If you have been injured in a crash involving a large commercial truck, speak with an experienced Medford injury attorney as soon as you are able.

Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.

855-DiBella

Are Trucking Companies and Their Drivers Subject to Specific Regulations?

All drivers on Massachusetts roadways are required to comply with local laws. Trucking companies and their drivers are also subject to federal regulations issued and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations apply to many aspects of the trucking industry and govern the way trucking companies:

• Screen and hire drivers
• Conduct drug and alcohol testing
• Inspect, maintain, and repair their vehicles
• Provide training for drivers
• Maintain and preserve records
• Load their trucks

What Acts of Negligence Can Lead to Serious Truck Accidents?

Negligent acts by trucking companies and the drivers they hire can cause deadly collisions in which occupants of other vehicles suffer the most serious injuries. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Distracted driving: Truck drivers on long hauls may be tempted to talk on the phone, text, or check email and social media. Distracted driving is dangerous behavior that cost the lives of 3,142 people in the U.S. in 2020, as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is even more dangerous when the driver is behind the wheel of an 80,000 pound 18-wheeler.
• Drowsy driving: Hours of service regulations issued by FMCSA are designed to help prevent truck driver fatigue. Trucking companies concerned with their own profits may offer financial incentives or pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, encouraging them to break these rules. Truckers who drive fatigued may fall asleep at the wheel.
• Speeding: Truckers covering long stretches of road may be tempted to exceed the speed limit to arrive at their destinations faster or to meet delivery deadlines set by their employers. Speeding is particularly dangerous in a big rig that requires more time and distance to stop or slow down.
• Negligent hiring and retention: Trucking companies may hire drivers who lack experience or training, have criminal records, or have a history of previous accidents on their driving records. They may not screen thoroughly enough for health problems or drug or alcohol use. Some companies may even retain drivers after these problems become known, putting others on the roadways at risk.

After a serious Medford truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact DiBella Law Offices, P.C. Our founding attorney has been named as among the top litigators in Massachusetts and New Hampshire by several legal associations. We offer a free consultation. Call us today at (978) 327-5140.