The Special Danger Truck Accidents Pose
This week in Nigeria, a massive truck accident killed over 30 people. The truck carried human passengers and cattle, and was speeding at the time of the accident.
Every day we share the road with vehicles capable of mass murder. Trucks pose a special danger and require regulations beyond the normal passenger vehicle. As a truck crash attorney in Memphis, I’ve seen what happens when rules break down, and I’ve noticed a few reasons we need the law to defend us against truck accidents.
What the Trucks Carry
Trucks carry living things, including people and animals. Any truck accident risks the lives of those passengers. But many trucks also carry other dangerous materials, including:
- construction materials like cement
- hazardous waste
- oil and gas
- even nuclear weapons (yes, the military transports them using trucks on our interstates)
In addition, trucks carry explosive and flammable materials in the gas tank and electrical system. We need regulations on how the trucks carry these dangerous materials and where exactly they can travel with certain cargo.
Who Can Operate the Trucks
Many large trucks require special licensing to be driven. This includes 18-wheelers, tow trucks, and emergency vehicles. Dangerous cargo requires even more licensing. And those licenses need to stay updated. The requirements vary between states, and the federal government also has standards depending on the truck.
Perhaps even more importantly, regulations affect the companies that own trucks and employ drivers. Workers’ compensation and other employment laws require:
- Drivers receive certain time off
- Trucks get regular inspection
- How/when drivers need to receive training
- and much more
In recent months, access to trucks has received wide attention because of a rise in truck-related terrorism around the world. Whether we’re talking about drivers with a history of DUI’s or about people who wish to do us harm, it’s imperative we regulate who gets the keys to these vehicles.
Truck Accidents in Memphis
Fortunately in the United States, our laws help regulated trucks and keep the roads safe. But even with better laws, horrible accidents can happen. At my personal injury firm in Memphis, we’ve seen the tragic loss trucks can cause, and we take it very seriously.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a truck accident, we’d like to help. Contact us today to speak with an attorney for free.