Truck Accidents: Could A Lower Speed Limit Be the Answer?

Think the speed limit for big, commercial trucks is too high? The American Trucking Association agrees that it is. A 68mph speed limit for trucks is being proposed by not everyday car passengers but by a group of trucking companies that make up the American Trucking Association.

The American Trucking Association along with Road Safe America has proposed a 68 miles per hour maximum speed limit for trucks weighing at least 26,000 pounds or 13 tons gross vehicular weight. The 3 mph over 65 mph speed limits is given for increased speed needed when passing.

Most of these trucks already have computer-enforced systems called speed governors, but no law exists that requires them to be activated. Speed governors are attached to a vehicle’s engine to limit their maximum speed. Proponents of the proposal believe that many lives could be saved as excessive speed is a factor in many fatal crashes. Truckers face pressures to go as fast as they can to get all deliveries done, make up for road construction and other delays, satisfy customers who have zero-tolerance late arrival policies, and make expensive payments if they’re independent.

The above factors combined with the sheer size of a truck make accidents not only possible, but also more likely to be fatal if they do occur. Should you be involved in an accident, make sure to:

• Promptly report the accident.

• Think about it if the insurance company asks you if they can record the conversation. If injuries exist or if you think the insurance company will say you're not covered, you may want to contact a law firm first.

• Get details of the accident, like pictures and names and phone numbers of witnesses.

• Get insurance details of other people involved in the accident.

• Keep a written record of conversations with the insurance company.

• Save bills and receipts for vehicle repair work and medical costs associated with the accident.

• Be honest with insurance investigators so your claim is not denied.

• See if you have more than one insurance policy that provides coverage for the accident or injury to use.

• Don't admit fault. Have the insurance investigators determine liability.

• Don't let time limits to file your insurance claim expire. Be sure to file on time.

• Don't take what insurance companies say as the final word. Insurance companies give you low estimated losses.

• Don't sign a release or waiver.

• Don't accept a check as a final payment unless you are sure it's a fair compensation for your losses.

• Minimum liability coverage of $750,000 is required for vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds and hauling non-hazardous materials

• Minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 for hazardous materials and oil

• Minimum liability coverage of $5,000,000 for passenger trucks, trucks operating portable tanks, and capacity over 3,500 gallons

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Alan Horwitz is a Partner at Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP, a full-service personal injury Baltimore, Maryland law firm, with over 100 years of collective experience. Visit them online today at www.ihlaw.com. Request a free consultation or view their office locations and phone numbers .

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