Top Rated Safety Violation Truck Accident Lawyers In Buffalo, New York

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of all car accidents in the United States. Unfortunately, the consequences of fatigue throughout the commercial trucking industry are even worse. Truck drivers risk excessive exhaustion due to the demanding physical activity and mental exertion of operating large tractor-trailers. Fatigue from spending too many hours driving leads to a much higher risk of making crucial errors. Just imagine the kind of damage that a tractor-trailer weighing 80,000 pounds can inflict when barreling down a highway with a half-asleep driver. Without a doubt, fatigued truckers pose a serious threat to everyone on the road. In a recent year, occupants of smaller vehicles involved in collisions with tractor-trailers endured 97 percent of the fatalities.

Victims who are fortunate enough to survive severe accidents with semi-trucks often suffer devastating injuries, such as permanent disfigurement, loss of limbs, traumatic brain injury (TBI), complete paralysis, life-altering disability, and crush-related wounds. Considering the dreadful consequences that large truck crashes often have, it is no surprise that federal and New York State laws regulate the number of hours truckers are allowed to drive. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Hours of Service (HOS) specify the time that truckers can drive and when they must take mandatory rest breaks. For example, property-carrying drivers may drive up to 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off. Upon starting any kind of work, truckers are limited to a 14-consecutive-hour driving window regardless of breaks or naps during those hours. Additionally, truckers are not allowed to drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days, which can be restarted after taking off for at least 34 consecutive hours.

A truck driver’s job is difficult enough when he or she follows the standard number of hours permitted behind the wheel. However, when truckers fail to adhere to the strict state and federal driving time limitations, the threat they pose to themselves and others can easily multiply. Suppose that you or a family member have been gravely injured in a collision or other type of mishap with a commercial truck. It is imperative to consult with a highly experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. For almost 2.5 decades, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has dedicated his life to fighting for seriously injured victims. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested commercial trucking accident lawyers will help you decipher and navigate through all of the nuances of the FMCSA’s regulations.

Throughout the years, Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his veteran litigators have witnessed the destructive consequences that big rig accidents can have on victims and, ultimately, their families. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver and his or her trucking company may be one of the most important things you ever do. Our seasoned Buffalo, New York lawyers are here to assist you by asserting your legal rights and obtaining the best result for your injuries and resulting damages. Irresponsible companies and their insurers have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. more than $175,000,000.00 in verdicts and settlements to compensate his clients. The Dietrich Legal Team’s honorable devotion to exceeding your expectations and delivering the finest outcome differentiates us from the competition. Our elite team is available twenty-four-seven, three-sixty-five by dialing 716-839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form. There has never been a better time to contact our highly qualified lawyers for your free, no-obligation consolation and lawsuit evaluation.

According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), 13 percent of all commercial truck drivers were deemed to have been fatigued at the time of their collisions. With over 4,000 victims suffering fatal injuries in crashes involving large trucks, many lives could be saved if drivers simply followed state and federal regulations. The fundamental goal of the Hours of Service is to protect the safety and well-being of everyone on the road from drowsy truckers. These regulations are designed to control the number of hours a truck driver is allowed to be behind the wheel each day and the hours they can drive per week. The more time truckers spend behind the wheel, the more likely they are to make mistakes. Some prevalent oversights made by fatigued drivers include:

1. Losing control and swerving into other lanes of traffic;
2. Running traffic signals or stop signs;
3. Failing to properly check blind spots;
4. Following other vehicles too closely;
5. Miscalculating required stopping distances;
6. Driving more aggressively;
7. Speed or driving too fast for the given conditions;
8. Spilling or dropping cargo;
9. Slamming on the brakes too hard and causing the trailer to jack-knife; and
10. Rolling over as a result of overcorrecting.

When truckers exceed their driving hours or fail to take sufficient breaks, it can significantly impact vital functions, such as their coordination, vision, reaction times, and overall judgment. Sleep deprivation symptoms are often compared to driving under the influence. In some situations, drivers may take caffeine pills, other stimulants, or even illicit drugs to try and stay awake. Unfortunately, these substances often lead to further impairment of a trucker’s ability to make safe decisions.

As previously mentioned, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is responsible for setting forth regulations to govern both drivers and their trucking companies. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s elite litigators have fought numerous truck accident cases and are well-versed in all of the rules. When you retain the Dietrich Legal Team, you can expect our veteran Buffalo, New York truck accident attorneys to:

1. Meticulously analyze all of the evidence at the scene of the collision;
2. Interview any potential witnesses;
3. Determine all parties who could be held responsible for your injuries;
4. Gather critical evidence, including electronic logging device records, driver log books, and the police accident report;
5. Review the trucker’s log to determine if he or she exceeded their allotted driving hours;
6. Analyze the culture of the trucking company, including its Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) score, to establish any pattern of not enforcing mandatory rest hours;
7. Scrutinize the trucker’s driving history for other violations;
8. Consult with our top rated accident reconstruction experts and obtain opinions from our trucking industry experts;
9. Aggressively negotiate a large settlement package with the trucking company and their insurance adjusters; and
10. When all else fails, present the strongest possible case at trial.

Our leading lawyers realize that various factors could have contributed to the driver getting fatigued, such as long hours behind the wheel, inadequate rest periods, failure to establish a regular sleep pattern, and pressure to meet tight deadlines. Careless trucking companies often set delivery targets without accounting for potential delays. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s attorneys have the expertise and knowledge to thoroughly examine all the details of your accident to accurately determine if the trucker, the transportation company, or any other party failed to comply with all mandatory FMCSA trucking regulations.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. has a long track record of obtaining justice for victims of truck accidents. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested team would be pleased to offer you a complimentary lawsuit evaluation and consultation. Our seasoned attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 716-839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form. We are hard-hitting, persistent, and reliable personal injury lawyers who are ready to do whatever it takes to obtain the compensation that you deserve!

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!