Proposed Federal Law and New Semi-Truck Technology to Reduce Speed and Crash-Related Deaths and Injuries

 Posted on April 04, 2017 in Personal Injury

Large, intimidating, and capable of wreaking complete havoc, semi-trucks are one of the most formidable vehicles on the road. Indeed, they are involved in thousands of crashes each year—98 percent of which result in at least one fatality. Yet, even the victims who survive often have life-altering complications, such as paralyzation, permanent brain damage, and burn injuries.

In hopes of reducing the frequency of semi-truck crashes and the impact they ultimately have on the lives of victims and their families, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently teamed and proposed a new federal law.

Tech and Proposed Federal Law Would Limit Speed

One of the major contributing factors in semi crashes involve the speed at which the truck is traveling. Sometimes, it is simply that the truck is traveling too fast for road conditions. But speeding, in general, places the lives of other road users at risk. This is why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently proposed a federal law that would require all trucks over 26,000 pounds to have their speed limited by a technological device.

The technology, named a “speed limiter” would cap out the vehicle’s speed at 60, 65, or 68 miles per hour (stipulations and factors that would be used to determine the speed of specific vehicles have not been announced). Yet, even with the limited speed, victims of semi crashes are at an increased risk of fatality and serious injury. As such, it will remain critical that victims understand their rights, particularly their right to pursue fair compensation for their losses.

Pursuing Compensation for a Semi Accident

Because Illinois is a comparative fault state, it is critical that victims have an advocate on their side, protecting their rights from the insurance companies that may try to limit their overall payout. This is done through an investigation, which can help determine what elements and factors may have caused the crash in the first place. Further, it can help to identify if there are any other parties that should be held accountable (i.e. loading company or trucking company).

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we understand the devastation that a semi accident can have on the lives of victims and their families, and we will come to you, wherever it is most convenient. We work on a contingency basis and will fight aggressively to ensure you obtain the fair compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our DuPage County personal injury lawyers to learn more about how we can assist you. Call 630-932-9100 today.