Legal Resources
Chico, CA | Rooney Law Firm

Reports are that the trucking industry is seeking ways to improve safety and reduce liability risks. One of the nation’s largest freight trucking companies, for example, has started to equip its trucks with camera systems.

California law is specific in stating that no one shall operate any vessel or manipulate water skis or similar devices in a reckless or negligent manner, thereby endangering another person or property.

Touting the competitive advantage of self-driving trucks, the report explains that truck operators have a big financial incentive to use this advanced technology to reduce expenses.

Victims, and in the case of fatalities, survivors, usually have an immediate need for income. This can be because a paycheck stops, medical care and rehabilitation costs quickly build and the day-to-day family needs escalate.

Urine tests for drugs and breath tests for alcohol are required under the regulations. It’s specified that testing be conducted before an employee is hired, after an accident happens, if an employer has a reasonable suspicion a driver is abusing these substances and randomly.

Battling a corporation, insurance companies and lawyers can be overwhelming at any time but even more so when you are trying to recover from injuries suffered in the accident and dealing with other post-crash issues.

Individuals who are injured in a truck accident — or any accident on the road — have a right to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses and lost wages.

As evidenced by the recent General Motors ignition switch case wherein several fatalities occurred because admittedly a design flaw caused it to turn off unbeknownst to the driver. This resulted in loss of control and no deployment of air bags. Investigation has thus far revealed the company was allegedly aware of the problem and didn’t address it.

According to the California Highway Patrol, all of the lanes of the highway were blocked and debris was scattered everywhere after the crash. Traffic was eventually rerouted across the bridge, and Highway 99 was clear by 5:30 a.m.

What can happen, unfortunately, is that the trucking company is way ahead in its investigation. Insurance companies have the capability to be on the scene, review evidence and put together an offer before injured people can even begin to think clearly.

Individuals may also seek compensation for loss of earnings. In this case, plaintiffs may need to prove a realistic ability to earn at a certain level over the course of life prior to incurring injury or damage.

The Senate was looking to increase the number of hours commercial drivers could spend on the road from 70 per week to 82 per week.