San Mateo Truck Accident Lawyer

Consumers rely on the commercial trucking industry to deliver goods across the country. State and federal laws highly regulate this industry because massive trucks can cause substantial damage in the event of an accident. While most truck drivers are always safe on the road, others may be putting motorists at risk.

If you were hurt in an accident caused by a negligent trucker, the injury attorneys at Solution Now Law Firm are here to help. You deserve fair compensation for your losses, and a San Mateo truck accident lawyer could help.

Rules and Regulations for Truck Drivers in San Mateo

Truck drivers must follow state laws as well as the rules mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA.) The state restricts the size and weight of commercial trucks. For instance, the length of any truck and trailer combination must be 65 feet or less. The weight of a commercial vehicle must be limited to 80,000 pounds, with exceptions for trucks transporting manufactured homes. Other requirements include the following:

• Truckers must be trained and tested to carry a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Truckers must be 18 to drive commercial vehicles instate and 21 to drive outside California
• Truckers must keep electronic or hand-written logs of when and where they stop, how frequently they take rest and meal breaks, and the outcome of inspections along their routes
• Truckers must inspect their trucks for mechanical problems before, during, and after each trip
• Truckers must not exceed the FMCSA rules for how many hours they can drive in any seven-day period

Any of these violations increases the chance of a crash. Overloading a tractor-trailer makes the rig unstable. A trucker who drives too many hours is tired and becomes a danger on the road. In the event of a truck accident, a San Mateo attorney could gather evidence that a driver or company violated a regulation to prove negligence in an injury claim.

Seeking Compensation From Negligent Truckers

By filing an injury claim, a plaintiff can seek compensation from the truck driver responsible for causing their injuries. In cases involving commercial vehicles, vicarious liability may make the trucker’s parent company responsible for providing these payments.

Interstate trucking companies must carry a minimum amount of insurance that is far higher than automobiles. Under the US Code of Federal Regulations § 387.9, commercial carriers must carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance. Carriers must carry $5 million in liability insurance if they haul hazardous cargo. If an injured party’s losses exceed this amount, or if the insurance carrier refuses to negotiate a fair settlement, a skilled attorney could help a plaintiff take their claim to court. After any tractor-trailer accident, it is best to consult a San Mateo attorney as soon as possible to determine the best legal options for recovery.

Time Limit to File an Injury Claim

The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 sets a time limit for people injured in truck wrecks to file a civil action. Generally, a plaintiff must take legal action within two years of a truck accident to be eligible for compensation. An experienced lawyer understands the importance of prompt legal action and could get to work right away filing a claim.

A San Mateo Truck Accident Attorney Offers Competent Guidance

Trucks are an important part of our economy. However, truck drivers must follow the rules set forth by the FMCSA and state law. One error in judgment or reckless act can cause a devastating collision, leaving other motorists and pedestrians severely injured.

After a truck crash, you may face the challenges of a lengthy recovery while struggling to afford your medical bills. We understand your stress and could offer caring and competent legal assistance to get you the compensation you need. Call a San Mateo truck accident lawyer at Solution Now Law Firm to discuss your case. We are ready to get to work for you, and your initial consultation is free.