When driving on a busy road, it is always wise to leave enough space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you—especially if the vehicle in front of you is a large semi-truck or tractor-trailer. Leaving space can often help you prevent accidents from taking place with the vehicle in front of you but can also give you enough time and space to swerve out of the way if the vehicle stops suddenly or breaks down. Because truck accidents can often result in devastating accidents, remaining aware of the dangers that come with their size and operation on the road is crucial for any driver’s safety.
According to a recent news report, a tractor-trailer crashed into a Maine Turnpike truck that was parked in the breakdown lane with its amber blinker lights flashing. The driver and passenger of the Turnpike truck had exited the vehicle to retrieve construction signs that were on the road. The tractor-trailer drifted into the breakdown lane and hit a rumble strip, and then side-swiped the Turnpike truck. The driver and passenger of the Turnpike truck were able to safely move out of the way into a nearby ditch, safely out of the way. The driver of the tractor-trailer was treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital. Debris that flew up from the accident injured a nearby worker, who was transported to a local hospital to also be treated for minor injuries.
In Maine, although trucks only make up 4.7 percent of all vehicles, accidents involving trucks and similar vehicles can often be devastating. Truck accidents can often lead to fatalities or severe injuries or property damage following a collision, so it is crucial that drivers understand the risks.
In Maine, there are state and federal safety regulations that require truck drivers to meet certain qualifications. Each Maine semi-truck or tractor-trailer driver employed by a trucking company is required to retain a “driver qualification file,” which includes the driver’s employment application, inquiries into previous employers of the driver and their employment history, various inquiries to state agencies on the trucker’s driving records, a certificate or equivalent officiating that the driver has undergone a driver’s road test and a medical examiner’s certificate.
In addition, truck drivers operating tractor-trailers or semis must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License issued by Maine. Drivers of trucks in Maine must also adhere to strict hours limits, presumably to prevent the fatigue that could cause accidents on the road. Drivers are barred from driving more than 11 cumulative hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty. If a Maine truck driver has violated any of these requirements, they could be subject to greater liabilities if they are an at-fault party in an accident.
Do You Need a Maine Accident Attorney?
If you or someone you know has been involved in a recent Maine truck accident, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. Our lawyers have years of experience representing all types of clients in personal injury claims and will help you effectively pursue the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation today, contact us at 1-800-804-2004.