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Does ‘umbrella’ coverage on trailer extend to tractor?

Written by Steve Gursten Posted March 24th, 2017

Trailer’s umbrella coverage handles tractor damage because insurance policies covering both are applicable when tractor-trailer is involved in truck accident

Umbrella Coverage

One of the hugely important issues in trucking litigation — after liability and damages to the truck accident victims are determined — is figuring out what insurance coverage applies, such as umbrella coverage.

It frequently … Read More

Can trucking company J.B. Hunt keep details of its ‘preventability’ investigation secret?

Written by Steve Gursten Posted March 19th, 2017

Indiana Appeals Court rules motor carrier couldn’t use ‘subsequent remedial measures’ rule to hide investigation details about why its truck driver could have prevented a truck accident on I-65 in Indiana

Preventability investigation results, subsequent remedial measures

Trucking company J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., knew its truck driver could have prevented a truck accident that left a young mother with “serious, permanent … Read More

Eliminating left-hand turns for trucks is the right thing to do

Written by Steve Gursten Posted March 10th, 2017

If trucking companies and truck drivers stopped making ‘left-hand turns,’ they would eliminate a ‘critical pre-crash event’ in 22.2% of motor vehicle accidents; 61% of truck accidents in intersections ‘involve left turns’

It’d be nice if UPS’s motivation was preventing truck accidents.

But the fact that UPS’s policy against left-hand turns was driven by the … Read More

Can ‘Trooper in a Truck’ safety initiative prevent truck accidents?

Written by Steve Gursten Posted March 3rd, 2017

If Nebraska partnership between State Patrol and Truckers Association works, maybe it can be rolled out nationally to stop increases in fatal truck accidents

Could having traffic cops in truckers’ cabs prevent truck accidents?

It’s an idea worth exploring.

In fact, that’s exactly what they’re doing in Nebraska.

In its February 27, 2017, story, “State … Read More

Trucking company involved in fatal truck accident in Preble County, Ohio, has increasingly deadly record

Written by Steve Gursten Posted February 25th, 2017

Data from FMCSA’s SAFER system shows fatal truck accidents involving Swift Transportation jumped 71%; injury accidents went up 52%; and overall accidents increased 54%

I litigated my truck injury case with Swift Transportation in 2007. It appears the Ohio trucking company wants to make sure truck wreck attorneys like myself are keeping busy. Swift Transportation … Read More

Rehearing denied on OOIDA’s challenge to FMCSA’s ELD mandate

Written by Steve Gursten Posted February 18th, 2017

New FMCSA ELD rule requiring truckers to use ‘electronic logging devices’ will prevent many truck accidents and does not violate truck drivers’ Fourth Amendment rights

A legal loss for OOIDA (the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association) is a victory for trucking safety.

In January 2017, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit denied … Read More

Debunking trucker myths about safety of not wearing seatbelts

Written by Steve Gursten Posted February 10th, 2017

Science shows seat belts save truck drivers’ lives. Our own attorneys have seen the difference they make in the cases we handle for injured truck drivers. So why isn’t everyone strapped in?

Commercial truck drivers need to wear seat belts when they’re on the road.

Not only is it the law, but it’s the best, … Read More

What is the FMCSA’s policy on distracted truckers? ‘No call, no text, no ticket’

Written by Steve Gursten Posted February 2nd, 2017

To save lives and prevent truck accidents and injury, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration imposes harsh penalties truck drivers who text with hand-held cell phones

The FMCSA could do many things better when it comes to improving safety for truckers and for the driving public. This truck accident legal blog has been a frequent … Read More

Who wrote the book on truck accident litigation? Roundtable attorney Joe Fried did

Written by Steve Gursten Posted January 18th, 2017

“Handling Trucking Cases” is now available to truck accident lawyers everywhere on Trial Guides

The Truck Accident Attorneys Roundtable is comprised of some of the most experienced and respected trucking attorneys from around the nation — all working together to help people injured by trucks and to achieve the best possible results when a catastrophic … Read More

Lessons for attorneys litigating school bus accident lawsuits

Written by Steve Gursten Posted January 12th, 2017

7 things we can take away from the school bus crash that killed 6 elementary students in TN

I’m representing one of the children in the recent tragic Chattanooga, Tennessee school bus accident lawsuits that has been in the news. The crash killed 6 elementary students and injured several others. The family that’s hired me … Read More