Trucking Accidents

Accidents involving large commercial trucks are unique and complex based upon the laws governing trucks involved in interstate commerce which are quite specific and encompass numerous subject areas. Understanding and utilizing these laws and regulations is extremely important when representing personal injury victims involved in truck accidents. These laws and regulations are designed to protect motorists from the negligence of truck companies and can make it much easier to prove negligence against truck companies to recover personal injury damages.

Federal Truck Laws

The Federal Motor Carrier Regulations (Title 49, Parts 350-399) govern all vehicles engaged in interstate traffic.

Some of the more relevant regulations and laws that help prove negligence in personal injury truck accidents are as follows:

The above indicated laws and regulations and many others in the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations are instrumental in proving negligence against commercial truck companies involved in truck accidents when involved in interstate traffic (traffic between the states).

Rhode Island Truck Accidents

When a commercial truck is involved in an accident in intrastate travel (travel only within one state and not between the states) often times there are unique laws that help prove negligence regarding intrastate travel against commercial truck companies as the above interstate federal laws do. In Rhode Island the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety has adopted Title 49, Parts 382-384 and 390-399 of the Federal Regulations, these laws and regulations as adopted in Rhode Island help prove negligence against commercial truck companies involved in truck accident regarding intrastate travel.

The following provisions are an overview of Rhode Island laws that affect trucks operating only in Rhode Island:

Driver Qualification:
Rhode Island has adopted Part 391 of the Federal Regulations with one notable modification. Drivers must be 21, except intrastate drivers that do not transport hazardous materials are allowed to drive at age 18.

How to obtain crash reports:
A copy of an official accident report (investigated by the state police) can be obtained by sending a written request with the required fee to the State Police Headquarters. Your request must include the name of those involved and date and location of the accident.

Crash reports are available from:
Rhode Island State Police
Accident Report Office
311 Danielson Pike
North Scituate, RI 02857
(401) 444-1143

It is important to be represented by lawyers experienced in commercial trucking accidents when injured in an accident caused by a commercial truck. The lawyers at Karns Law Group have the experience handling claims involving truck accidents and the dedication necessary to get you the best compensation as quickly as possible. Call the Karns Law Group at 1-877-RK-KARNS (877-755-2767) today

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.