Albuquerque Trucking Accident Lawyer Explains When Large Trucks Need to Put Up Warnings Such as Signs or Hazards
Not only can a large commercial truck like an 18 wheeler, big rig, semi tractor trailer, or other box truck cause serious injury when it is moving, but it can cause significant injury or even wrongful death when it is not moving. Indeed, when a large commercial truck is disabled on the side of a road it can be a dangerous hazard. This is particularly true on fast moving highways and interstates such as I-40, I-25, and I-10 when collisions by smaller passenger vehicles with stationary trucks could result in catastrophic wrecks. These can be some of the worst types of New Mexico trucking accidents.
Here at the Mark Caruso, our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyer knows that collisions with large commercial trucks on the side of the road, including on interstates and highways, can be very serious and deadly. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured due to a stopped truck, please call (505) 308-1556 for a FREE consultation.
What Trucks Must Do When Stopped on the Side of the Road
There are federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA which govern the conduct of large commercial trucks such as 18 wheelers, semi tractor trailers, double trailers, big rigs, and other box trucks. There are two main steps that must be taken:
Step 1: – Stopped trucks must immediately use hazard flashes. Section 392.22 of the FMCSA regulations require a “stopped commercial motor vehicle shall immediately activate the vehicle hazard warning signals flashers and continue the flashing until the driver places the warning devices” as noted below.
Step 2: – Stopped trucks must immediately use warning devices. Section 392.33 requires as soon as possible but not more than 10 minutes after stopping, for a truck driver to place the following warning signs:
(i) One on the traffic side of and 4 paces (approximately 3 meters or 10 feet) from the stopped commercial motor vehicle in the direction of approaching traffic;
(ii) One at 40 paces (approximately 30 meters or 100 feet) from the stopped commercial motor vehicle in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by the commercial motor vehicle and in the direction of approaching traffic;
(iii) One at 40 paces (approximately 30 meters or 100 feet) from the stopped commercial motor vehicle in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by the commercial motor vehicle and in the direction away from approaching traffic.
Truck Drivers That Fail to Comply with the FMCSA
If a truck driver fails to comply with the FMCSA, it can result in very serious personal injuries. These requirements are there to help other motorists see and be aware of a large truck on the side of a roadway. While it might not sound like it is possible for a large truck to be invisible, on dark roadways or in weather events, it can be very hard to see a large truck on the side of the road. Especially on fast-moving highways and interstates.
Please call the Mark Caruso by dialing (505) 308-1556 to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers. We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, Hobbs, Lordsburg, or anywhere else in the state, including Albuquerque where our law office is located. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
