Fort Wayne Truck Crash Lawyer
Fort Wayne Truck Accident Lawyers: Your Advocates in Federal Trucking Regulations
A lot of trucks, particularly ones coming through the middle of the country, are often involved in interstate commerce. That means federal law applies, and your Fort Wayne truck crash attorney must be familiar with the extensive regulations that are a part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act.
Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations in Truck Crash Cases
This legislation and the agency that implements it, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, set forth regulations that the trucking industry must follow. The regulations are extensive.
Driver's Hours on the Road: A Key Factor in Truck Accident Claims
A prominent one in truck crash cases is the amount of time a driver was allowed to be on the road. There are limits, both daily and weekly, to how long a truck driver can stay on the road. Violation of these limits can be a big part of establishing negligence on the part of the company.
The Discovery Process: Uncovering Evidence of Negligence
But proving negligence means the attorney must obtain the necessary records from the company. The discovery process is the vehicle by which that can happen.
Investigating Employer Practices in Trucking Accident Cases
In a case where it’s suspected the driver was in violation of how much time could be spent on the road, discovery might seek to yield information that would not only prove this particular point, but would establish why the driver was on the road too long.
Seeking Accountability: The Role of Discovery in Truck Crash Litigation
Were they given assignments and timetables that could only be reasonably achieved by violating regulations? Is there anything that indicates employer laxity in enforcing the regulations? Were drivers even tacitly encouraged to exceed their driving limits? The answers to questions like these, and many more, are possible to find in the discovery process.
Local Support and Resources for Truck Accident Victims in Fort Wayne
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident in Fort Wayne can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by residents in Allen County and the surrounding areas. We are familiar with the local roads, such as I-69 and US-30, where many truck accidents occur, and we know how to leverage this knowledge to build a strong case for you.
In Fort Wayne, local government entities like the City of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Government provide valuable resources and support for accident victims. While we do not partner directly with these entities, we can guide you on how to access their services, such as obtaining police reports or seeking medical assistance from local healthcare providers like Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network.
One of the significant pain points for truck accident victims in Fort Wayne is dealing with the complexities of federal and state regulations. Our attorneys are well-versed in both, ensuring that we can effectively navigate the legal landscape to hold negligent parties accountable. We understand the stress and confusion that come with these situations, and we are here to provide clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way.
Whether you're dealing with the immediate aftermath of an accident or facing long-term recovery challenges, our Fort Wayne truck accident attorneys are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. We know the local area, we understand your pain points, and we are dedicated to fighting for your rights.
Contact Fort Wayne's Trusted Truck Accident Attorneys Today
Let us help you with your case. Call today at (260) 777-0844 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
Truck Crash Liability in Indiana
While it’s possible that the truck driver themselves might be the negligent party, a Fort Wayne truck crash lawyer has to perform due diligence to consider other possibilities.
- Was the cause of the crash something flying off the back of the truck? If so, the potential liability would rest with the person or company that did the packing. In the trucking industry, that’s not necessarily the same as the person or company that operated the rig.
- Did the truck company do appropriate investigation into the qualifications of the driver? Truck drivers have specific licenses they must get. Putting an unlicensed or untrained driver on the road can shift the liability to the company.
- As part of the investigation process, truck companies may call their insurance carrier to ask their advice on the hiring of personnel. An insurance investigator could be responsible for an unqualified driver operating an 18-wheel rig.
- In an industry with as many interlocking relationships as trucking, liability can go anywhere from brokers to suppliers to mechanics. That’s to say nothing of the fact the fault might also lie with a third driver–perhaps one not involved in the crash, but whose negligence forced the truck to move in such a way that the collision occurred.
A plaintiff can have a strong case for negligence but still lose if they file suit against the wrong defendant. That’s why a lawyer with a background specifically in truck crash cases can be important to getting a fair settlement.
McKibben Law, LLC has knowledge of all the regulations, both state and federal, that trucking companies must comply with.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act
A lot of trucks, particularly ones coming through the middle of the country, are often involved in interstate commerce. That means federal law applies, and your Fort Wayne truck crash attorney must be familiar with the extensive regulations that are a part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act.
This legislation and the agency that implements it, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, set forth regulations that the trucking industry must follow. The regulations are extensive.
A prominent one in truck crash cases is the amount of time a driver was allowed to be on the road. There are limits, both daily and weekly, to how long a truck driver can stay on the road. Violation of these limits can be a big part of establishing negligence on the part of the company.
But proving negligence means the attorney must obtain the necessary records from the company. The discovery process is the vehicle by which that can happen.
In a case where it’s suspected the driver was in violation of how much time could be spent on the road, discovery might seek to yield information that would not only prove this particular point, but would establish why the driver was on the road too long.
Were they given assignments and timetables that could only be reasonably achieved by violating regulations? Is there anything that indicates employer laxity in enforcing the regulations? Were drivers even tacitly encouraged to exceed their driving limits? The answers to questions like these, and many more, are possible to find in the discovery process.
Let us help you with your case. Call today at (260) 777-0844 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
Contact Us
Attorney Jennifer McKibben knows how to handle a truck crash case. Even beyond her legal knowledge, she brings a fighting spirit and is determined to help her clients get justice for what they’ve suffered.
Call the Fort Wayne office of McKibben Law, LLC at (260) 777-0844 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
Schedule your free consultation now.