Truck Accidents

Common Questions About Commercial Truck Accident Cases in Iowa

How Are Truck Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents in Iowa?

Truck accidents in Iowa differ significantly from regular car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, the severity of injuries they cause, and the complexity of liability issues involved. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, meaning collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities compared to typical passenger vehicle accidents. Truck accident cases involve federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that govern driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and driver qualifications. The investigation process is more complex, requiring examination of electronic logging devices, maintenance records, driver logs, and black box data. Insurance policies for commercial trucks typically have much higher liability limits, often $1 million or more, which means there’s more at stake and insurance companies fight harder to minimize payouts. Multiple parties may share liability, including the driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, and cargo loaders, requiring extensive investigation to identify all responsible parties and maximize your compensation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Iowa?

The most common causes of truck accidents in Iowa include driver fatigue from violating hours-of-service regulations, distracted driving such as texting or eating while operating the vehicle, speeding or driving too fast for road conditions, improper lane changes or failure to check blind spots, inadequate training of commercial drivers, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or defective parts, also contribute to many accidents. Improper cargo loading that causes the truck to become unbalanced or shed its load creates serious hazards on Iowa highways. Adverse weather conditions common in Iowa, including ice, snow, fog, and high winds, can be particularly dangerous for large commercial vehicles. Trucking companies that pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules often contribute to accidents by encouraging speeding or hours-of-service violations. Determining the exact cause requires thorough investigation of driver records, vehicle maintenance logs, company policies, and accident scene evidence, which an experienced truck accident attorney can coordinate.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for the Truck Accident?

Yes, Iowa follows a modified comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the truck accident, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. Under Iowa Code Section 668.3, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, you would receive $80,000. However, if you are determined to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto accident victims to reduce their payout, so it’s crucial to have an attorney who can investigate the accident thoroughly, gather evidence proving the truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence, and counter attempts to unfairly assign you excessive fault. Factors like whether you were wearing a seatbelt, your speed at the time of impact, and your actions leading up to the collision will all be examined when determining comparative fault percentages.

What Federal Regulations Apply to Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies?

Truck drivers and trucking companies operating in Iowa must comply with extensive Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) designed to prevent accidents and protect public safety. Hours-of-service rules limit drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty and prohibit driving beyond 14 hours after coming on duty. Drivers must maintain accurate logs, now typically through electronic logging devices (ELDs), to prove compliance. Trucking companies must conduct pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, random testing throughout employment, and post-accident testing. Commercial drivers must hold valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) with appropriate endorsements and undergo regular medical examinations to ensure they’re physically qualified to operate these vehicles. Vehicle maintenance regulations require regular inspections, documentation of repairs, and compliance with weight limits and cargo securement standards. Trucking companies must also maintain minimum insurance coverage and keep detailed records of driver qualifications, training, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service. Violations of these federal regulations can serve as evidence of negligence in your truck accident claim and significantly strengthen your case for compensation.

The Law Guide to Iowa Truck Accident Claims is straightforward and easy to read.

Inside, you will find:

• The most common mistakes that can ruin your Iowa truck accident case – and teach you how to avoid them.
• Unfair strategies that trucking companies use to cheat crash victims – so you will see them coming a mile away.
• Easy-to-follow instructions on how to properly document your truck accident injury, property damage, and loss of income – so the trucking company can’t deny your claim due to lack of information.
• A detailed step-by-step system for finding the right Iowa truck accident attorney for your case – we even give you some questions to ask when you get an attorney on the phone.

This is the same insider information we would give to our own family members  after a truck wreck. Hundreds of the truck accident victims have used our  Law Guide to Iowa Truck Accident Claims  to protect themselves after a crash with a semi.

Here is a sample of the comments RSH Legal attorneys have received from grateful readers:

Get the legal guidance you need to protect yourself and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re doing the right thing. Fill out the form on this page and we will quickly email you a digital copy of our FREE Law Guide to Iowa Truck Accident Claims.

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