The trucking industry is the lifeline of the economy, but these large vehicles can risk injury to other motorists they share the road with. The federal government has instituted numerous regulations to protect the public, prevent accidents, and curb dangerous behavior. Unfortunately, many truckers and their employers willfully violate these laws, putting others in danger.
A Lexington trucking safety whistleblower lawyer could help if you have information about these violations. In addition to protecting the public, you may also qualify for a monetary reward. Let a dedicated whistleblower attorney advise you of your options today.
Truck regulations are generally enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This agency sets rules for vehicles and their operators and can issue fines for violations.
The FMCSA oversees countless issues, including the amount of time drivers are allowed to be on the road without a rest. Regulations limit the number of hours in a day and a week that a person can operate a commercial vehicle without stopping.
These rules also apply to the condition of the trucks and the goods that they carry. Weight limits are strictly enforced, given that overweight tractor-trailers can present a serious safety risk to the public.
Some of the most severe issues occur when a trucking company forces its drivers to stay on the road in dangerous conditions, such as:
When these issues go unchecked, it can lead to serious or even fatal accidents. A trucking safety whistleblower attorney in Lexington could help hold a company accountable for each violation. Schedule a consultation with Bill Nettles today to find out more.
The FMCSA relies on inside information to help identify broken regulations and at-fault violators. In addition to providing tips to protect the public, there is also the potential for a monetary award through a writ of qui tam.
This is a type of federal lawsuit that allows a person to seek a monetary award if the tips they provide lead to a conviction or administrative action. With the help of a trucking safety whistleblower lawyer in Lexington, it may be possible to recover a portion of any fines or penalties levied against the company. This could be as much as 30 percent of what the government recovers in these cases.
It is natural to fear reprisal from an employer for informing the federal government of a rule violation. However, it is illegal for companies to punish employees for helping the government, and there are legal protections in place to ensure your safety.
Any attempt to fire, reassign, or otherwise punish someone who informs the FMCSA of wrongdoing carries steep consequences. When these protections are broken, the employee could have a claim for financial compensation.
No one should live in fear of serious injury when sharing the road with commercial vehicles. By following federal regulations, truck drivers can dramatically reduce the risk of a crash.
You have the opportunity to hold trucking companies accountable for dangerous behavior, contribute to safer roads, and potentially collect a monetary award. Call as soon as possible to speak with a Lexington truck safety whistleblower lawyer today.
