Rules to Govern and Restrict Tractor Trailers to Help Prevent Accidents and Injuries

Rules to Govern and Restrict Tractor Trailers to Help Prevent Accidents and Injuries

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published regulations that will restrict tractor trailers (trucking companies and drivers) as follows:

1. The Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) has published a regulation that bans the use of cell phones while driving.  Please see the following link: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/rulemakings/final/Mobile_phone_NFRM.pdf 
2. The FMCSA has published regulations regarding hours of service (HOS) to limit the operation of tractor trailers, insuring drivers will have the proper rest.  Please see the following link: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/hos-final/hos-final-rule.aspx
3. The FMCSA has amended its regulations to continue the requirement that drivers and motor carriers retain copies of the medical examiner’s certificate regarding their commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to insure medical qualification. Please see the following link: www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/11/15/2011-29481/medical-certification-requirements-as-part-of-the-commercial-drivers-license-cdl-extension-of

The above three rules help limit and govern trucking companies and drivers regarding three of the main causes of accidents and injuries to victims in their automobiles caused by the negligent operation of tractor trailers.  These three causes consist of driver distraction and the banning of cell phones will greatly help this; secondly, driver fatigue and the rules on hours of service will greatly help this; and lastly, drivers with medical problems that should not be operating a commercial vehicle and the mandatory retention of a medical certificate will insure the medical qualification of the driver of the tractor trailer.

Anyone injured as a result of the negligent operation of a tractor trailer should review whether any of these rules have been violated as it would greatly help the injured victim prove his or her case and recover damages. 

Anyone injured as a result of the negligent operation of a tractor trailer should contact an experienced law firm that has experience in handling tractor trailer accidents.  Karns Law Group has experience and a long history of handling tractor trailer cases and has offices in Cranston, East Providence and Middletown, Rhode Island.  Karns Law Group handles tractor trailer accidents that result in injuries to victims caused by the negligent operation of tractor trailers throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. 

Robert T. Karns
Attorney at Law 
Member RI & MA Bars

Karns Law Group

Traumatic Brain Injury – Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms – Treatment

Although many people suffering mild traumatic brain injuries – closed head injuries or concussions make a full recovery, some victims do not and suffer continuing symptoms known as persistent post-concussive symptoms.

Victims suffering continuing symptoms regarding a mild traumatic brain injury should seek treatment and continue their treatment in order to help improve the debilitating symptoms. 

Symptoms can include fatigue, confusion, concentration problems, memory problems, irritability and many related problems. 

The victim or the victim’s family should make certain they consult with a neurologist, neuropsychologist and ultimately undergo cognitive therapy to help with these symptoms.  Many hospitals and rehabilitation centers have the proper care regarding cognitive therapy including speech therapy and occupational therapy.  The neurologist or neuropsychologist can help guide the victim or the victim’s family on behalf of the victim to the proper cognitive therapy and rehabilitation. 

In addition, there are medications that can help with cognitive rehabilitation that can be discussed with the neurologist. 

Lastly, the victim should make certain that he or she joins the Brain Injury Association of the state he or she resides in and attends support group meetings.  In Rhode Island please note the following link for the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island: www.biaofri.org/

It is important to recognize these continuing symptoms and to seek medical help as above described. 

It is also very important to recognize the cause of the traumatic brain injury and if compensable under the law such as a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall or any type of injury or accident resulting in the traumatic brain injury that an experienced law firm be chosen in order to appropriately and accurately represent the brain injured victim.  Karns Law Group is extremely experienced in handling traumatic brain injury cases and concentrates in handling traumatic brain injury cases.  Karns Law Group has offices in Cranston, East Providence and Middletown, Rhode Island and represents victims of traumatic brain injury on legal matters and recovering damages throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts and other parts of the United States.

Robert T. Karns
Attorney at Law 
Member RI & MA Bars

Karns Law Group