Violations of Federal Requirements for Stopped Commercial Trucks on Roads and Highways Lead to Dangerous Truck Accidents

Truck drivers sometimes park their commercial trucks on the side of the road or highway and mistakenly assume that other motorists will see them. However, these trucks may stick over the side of the shoulder into the roadway and can catch an unsuspecting driver off guard, especially at night and in bad weather when visibility is poor. Although the passenger vehicle may hit the parked truck, it may be violations of federal regulations regarding trucks parked on the side of the road that really caused the accident.

FMCSA Rules When a Truck Is Stopped on the Side of the Road

Because of the dangers of trucks parked on the side of a road or highway, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has enacted detailed regulations on what a truck driver must do to warn other drivers of his stopped truck. Here are some actions that the rules require:

• After pulling over to the shoulder of a road or highway, the trucker must immediately activate his emergency flashers.
• As soon as possible, but no later than 10 minutes after stopping, the truck driver must put warning devices, such as flares or reflective triangles, out. He must follow the rules which specify how many are to be used and how far from the truck the devices are to be placed.
• Special rules must be followed during daytime hours, in business or residential districts, on a curve, hill, or where there is an obstructed view, on divided or one-way roads, and when a flammable liquid is leaking.

When truckers fail to warn others that they have pulled over, victims can suffer catastrophic injuries or die—especially when the crash occurs on a highway or other road where the vehicles are traveling at high speed.

Contact Us for Assistance If You Were Injured in a Parked Truck Accident

Were you the victim of a collision with a truck stopped on the side of the road? You need the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney who understands the federal regulations governing commercial trucking companies and truck drivers. To learn about our extensive experience helping truck accident victims and your legal options, schedule a free consultation with our skilled lawyers. Call our Norfolk office to schedule your appointment today.