U.S. Wants to Force Lower Speeds On Truck and Bus Drivers

The U.S. wants to forcibly limit how fast trucks, buses and other large vehicles can drive on the nation's highways

A new proposal Friday would impose a nationwide limit by electronically capping speeds with a device on newly made U.S. vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. Regulators are considering a cap of 60, 65 or 68 mph, though that could change. Whatever the speed limit, drivers would be physically prevented from exceeding it. The proposal, which comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, does not force older heavy vehicles to add the speed-limiting technology, but the regulators are still considering it.

The government said capping speeds for new large vehicles will reduce the 1,115 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks that occur each year and save $1 billion in fuel costs.

While the news is being welcomed by some safety advocates and non-professional drivers, many truckers said that such changes could lead to dangerous scenarios where they are traveling at much lower speeds than everyone else.

The government agencies involved will take public comment for 60 days, then determine the final limit and decide if the regulation should be put in place.

The agencies said that limiting the speed of heavy vehicles to 60 mph could save as many as 498 lives annually. Limiting it to 65 mph could save as many as 214 lives, and limiting it to 68 mph could save as many as 96 lives. There are 3.6 million big rigs on U.S. roads.

For more information on Tractor Trailer Accidents and how the Pisanchyn Law Firm's truck accident attorneys can help you or your loved one after suffering a devastating truck accident, visit our website or call 1-800-444-5309 for a free consultation.

$1.5 Million Motorcycle Accident Settlement

A recent Pennsylvania Jury Verdict Review & Analysis summarized the Pisanchyn Law Firm's $1.5 Million Motorcycle Accident recovery.

1,5000,0000 Recover - Motor Vehicle Negligence - Negligent Lane Change - Motorcycle/Truck Collision - Alleged Wrongful Hiring and Retention of Truck Driver - Wrongful Death at Age 65

Lackawanna County, PA
The plaintiff's decedent was a 65-year-old retired male who was operating a motorcycle when he was involved in a fatal collision with one of the defendant trucking company's tractor trailers. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant's truck driver negligently entered the decedent's travel lane and caused the collision. The plaintiff contended that the truck driver was negligently hired and retained by the defendant trucking company. The defendant denied the allegations made by the plaintiff and disputed the amount of the damages allegedly caused by his death.

The decedent was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Carbon County October 3, 2013, towards Philadelphia at the time of the accident. The plaintiff claimed that the defendant's tractor tailer encroached on the decedent's lane and pushed it into the concrete barrier. The decedent died shortly after the collision as a result of the injuries sustained. He and his wife were in the process of adopting their grandchild at the time of his death.

The plaintiff argued that, within ten minutes of the fatal collision, the defendant trucking company sent its attorney and insurance adjuster to the scene. When the State Policed requested that the defendant's driver take a drug and alcohol test, the driver refused. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant allowed its drivers to avoid mandatory drug tests and continued to employ the driver in question, despite a poor driving record. including prior driving violations, collisions, and a history of drug use.

The case was settled prior to trail for a total of $1,500,000.00.

REFERENCE
Burke vs. Defendant Trucking Company, Case no. 2013-01206; Judge n/a, 03-25-16.

Attorney for plaintiff: Michael J. Pisanchyn Jr., of the Pisanchyn Law Firm in Scranton, PA.

COMMENTARY
A callus picture of the defendant's behavior in this motorcycle/truck collision case was painted by the plaintiff's counsel. It was claimed, that while the decedent's body laid on the highway with a tarp over it, the defendant trucking company and insurance company could only think about getting to the scene as quickly as possible to minimize its financial exposure. It was also emphasized that the truck driver refused to submit to an alcohol/drug test at the scene.

The plaintiff's position was assisted by a video statement given by the truck driver's then-girlfriend. This witness stated that the truck driver out of "habit" always used drugs while driving the 20,000 pound vehicle. Further, the former girlfriend claimed that the defendant trucking company knew of this and told its drivers in advance when a random drug test would be coming so the driver could prepare to overcome it.

The statements made by the former girlfriend, along with the truck driver's record including several collisions, eight pages of driving violations and a criminal history of drug use, could have proven insurmountable for the defense had the case reached trail. In addition, the plaintiff had evidence of at least one drug test which stated that the truck driver's urine was "Diluted." Thus, the case was concluded by way of a $1,5000,000 settlement.

How to Get Compensation for your Pennsylvania Tractor Trailer Accident Injuries

Were you or a loved one injured in a Tractor Trailer accident? If so, it is imperative you contact our Pennsylvania Tractor Trailer Accident attorneys. Our truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the vehicle codes and regulations of these semi's. Truck accidents are handled differently than normal passenger vehicle accidents.

Both State and/or Federal law, depending on if the truck was involved in intrastate or interstate transport may govern trucking accidents. Trucking companies as well as their drivers have to follow many State and Federal regulations to operate a commercial vehicle. Hiring our Pennsylvania trucking accident injury attorneys, who are experienced in tractor trailer accident litigation, is the only way to ensure that all required regulations have been followed, and if they weren't you could receive compensation for your trucking accident injury. Some of the regulations are as followed:

·      Trucking companies are required to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) regulations concerning equipment and hours of service.

·      Truck drivers are required to maintain a driver's log.

·      Commercial driver's license standards are Federal regulations in place to reduce or prevent truck collisions and resulting injuries and/or deaths. Drivers of certain vehicles are required to obtain a single commercial motor vehicle driver's license.

·      Alcohol of any kind is not permitted in the trailer or the cab of the vehicle unless it is part of a shipment. This includes cough/ cold medications.

·      Federal regulations require commercial trucks to carry certain levels of insurance coverage, depending on the nature of the materials hauled. These regulations protect victims of large truck crashes from truck owners who may not have the financial resources to pay damages out-of-pocket.

The trucking companies pay out a great deal of money for their truck insurance policies due to the high risks and possible damages that could occur in the event of an 18 wheeler collision. Trucking companies begin an investigation into the accident as soon as it happens. If fault is found to be on behalf of the driver or company then the insurance adjusters just as quickly offer an insufficient settlement to compensate the victim for their negligence. These quick offers are a ploy to minimize costs paid out to you, the victim. Don't let this happen to you, if you or a loved have been involved in a tractor trailer accident call our PA trucking accident injury attorneys as soon after the accident as possible.

Our Pennsylvania tractor trailer accident attorneys can help you receive the full amount of compensation deserved for your trucking accident injuries, loss, and traumatic experience. Never agree to any offer made by the trucking company or their insurance adjusters without first consulting legal aid. At The Pisanchyn Law Firm our PA tractor trailer accident attorneys offer free services until we win your truck accident case and even then you will never pay out of pocket; we will only be paying you the money you deserve. Once you hire us as your attorneys we will immediately send out our own investigators to the scene, have them speak with witnesses, and review and report our findings so that you and your interests are fully protected.