by Nigel Hilton

Photo: Pixabay

There are lots of accidents occurring on our roads that are not your fault. If you are driving your own vehicle, then you can claim compensation for any injury that wasn’t your fault, and you can claim back on insurance as well as assist yourself with the very best lawyers, but what if you’re driving a vehicle that wasn’t actually yours? Plenty of jobs today require truck drivers and a lot of them travel long distances, which can pose a bigger threat of accidents and issues whilst on the road. 

What Are The Main Causes Of Truck Accidents?

As with any type of accident, they vary depending on the scenario, but it is known that trucks that weigh over 10,000 pounds have a bigger chance of getting into fatal accidents which can result, not just in the loss of life but the devastation that it brings to the family, causing a wave of grief and issues. 

The main causes of accidents are tiredness and fatigue from drivers who may be forced into long distances to hit targets and deadlines. By law, drivers should not work any longer than 60 hours on duty over seven consecutive days. They are limited to eleven hours of driving time which most companies should and will honor. If they don’t, that is when it’s the time to hire a lawyer. Having good health cover may be of benefit to you in the short term but for the long term you need to be sure that you have access to the right lawyers who will fight for your right. 

If you have an accident that you survive but are left injured or even disabled, you need to know your rights for compensation and being able to continue with your life to the best of your ability. Laws may differ from state to state, but the trucking industry has so far employed nearly 3.5 million registered truck drivers. Most companies will not hire any truck drivers unless they have the necessary licenses, such as a Class A CDL driver’s license but if you’re working cash in hand without any registration you may find your rights and claims for any compensation are truly quashed. It is best that you have all the necessary registrations, insurance and licenses to make sure you have the very best attack system if an accident does occur. 

What Other Rights Do I Have?

You have the right to refuse to drive any unsafe vehicles or ones that are over the weight limit which can cause the truck to topple. You have the right to file complaints about circumstances and working environments, you have the right to refuse to drive in very poor or dangerous weather conditions that may inhibit your safety. There is more power in your hands as a worker than you may realize, so be sure to get the necessary information before you take on a job or before something dangerous should occur, such as an accident.