Like other vehicles, large trucks such as semis or tanker trucks occasionally have to pull over to the side of the road due to mechanical problems or driver issues. These vehicles take up much more space than passenger vehicles do, and as such present a greater risk to motorists who are passing by at speeds often approaching 70 miles per hour or more. To minimize these risks, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations require that truck drivers who have pulled over take certain safety measures to ensure that they are visible and reduce the risk of accidents. When these regulations are not followed, it may be sufficient to establish negligence on the part of the truck driver, potentially allowing victims to recover for their injuries.
Among the safety measures that truck drivers are required to take when making an emergency stop include:
Turning on hazard warning flashers
Placing warning devices at specified distances in the lane or shoulder in which the vehicle is stopped
Placing fusees or liquid burning flares around the vehicle
Additional measures if the stop occurs near a hill, curve, or obstruction, or occurs on a divided one-way road
Additional measures when there is leaking flammable material involved
It is important for victims to retain an attorney familiar with the FMSCA regulations after a truck accident. These regulations can be extremely complicated, and it important to be familiar with the types of conduct regulated in order to be able to accurately evaluate a potential legal claim/
Contact a Newnan truck accident attorney for a free consultation
If you have been involved in a truck accident that occurred while a semi-truck was pulled over, you may be eligible to receive significant compensation. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Newnan truck accident lawyers, call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656