Many factors likely contributed to this deadly accident; there was construction going on, there was possibly the presence of smoke from a controlled burn in the area nearby, but one factor seemingly stands out above the rest here: the speed of the tractor trailer. This is an all too common problem in construction zones. In fact, in its Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) traffic enforcement guidelines, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifies speeding as one of the most prevalent CMV violations on the road today. As evidenced here, a very serious risk to persons operating smaller automobiles on our roads and highways exists due to the size and weight of tractor trailers. The NHTSA has worked for decades to reduce this risk by passing tough restrictions on the trucking industry and has recently amended regulation on tractor trailers to strengthen braking requirements. The new rule requires most heavy truck tractors to achieve a 30 percent reduction in stopping distance compared to current levels.
Unfortunately, commercial drivers and trucking companies too often do not follow or adhere to the requirements and guidelines established for their industry. Because of this, the trucking industry is no stranger to the courtroom and they typically have a team of experienced attorneys on their side. Many truck companies will do whatever they can to conceal any wrongdoing on their part and absolve themselves of any liability. Therefore, it is essential for you or anyone involved in a tractor trailer accident to consult immediately with an experienced Mississippi truck accident attorney. You need strong legal representation to build your case and recover the compensation you deserve.
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