Council & Associates March 2019

THE 2 HUGE CONCERNS THAT MAKE TRUCKING ACCIDENTS UNIQUE Tractor trailers, big rigs, semis, 18-wheelers — whatever you call them, we’ve all had to share the road with long-haul commercial vehicles. For the most part, we don’t think much about how different these massive trucks are from regular cars. When it comes to accidents, though, those involving semitractor-trailers are so different from regular cases that they’re basically in their own category. There are two main reasons for this. The first is that truck drivers and their vehicles must be compliant with industry regulations. Because of their weight — a truck can carry up to 20 times the weight of most passenger cars — and the danger that accompanies hauling giant loads, trucks are subject to strict laws. Nobody should get behind the wheel of a big rig without undergoing thorough training and a background check. In addition, the trucks themselves must be diligently inspected before a driver heads out on the road.

On March 8, people around the world will honor International Women’s Day. Adopted by the United Nations in 1975, the holiday is meant to highlight the immeasurable accomplishments of women throughout history and draw attention to the ongoing struggle for global gender equality. International Women’s Day is celebrated differently around the world. Some nations, like Nepal, give all their citizens the day off. Most countries, however, including the United States, treat it as a normal day, at least officially. Even though we don’t have the day off, there are many ways for everyone to honor International Women’s Day this year. Here are a few of them. TALK ABOUT THE WOMEN WHO INSPIRE YOU From major innovators, like Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, to megalithic literary icons, like Maya Angelou, women throughout history have shaped how we live our lives. Whether you’re inspired by famous historical figures or the women in your own life, take the time to talk about that influence. Which women helped get you where you are today? What female leaders do you look up to? What are some lessons you’ve learned from them? MAKE ROOM FOR CONVERSATION IN THE WORKPLACE Many of the challenges women face globally happen in the workplace. If you think your company has room for improvement in its treatment of women, now is a great time to do something about it. Even if you believe your company treats women and men equally, there’s no harm in empowering your colleagues to talk to give their opinions. If you’re an employer, this could mean giving women in your workplace an avenue to discuss issues, air grievances, and make suggestions. If you’re an employee, consider asking for such a forum. In either case, providing both public and anonymous avenues for women to express themselves is a great way for your company to take a step forward in fostering gender equality. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Regardless of your gender, March 8 is the perfect time to tune in to the larger conversation surrounding gender inequality, if you haven’t already. This could mean attending meetings or demonstrations in your town, reading works that capture the female struggle for equality, such as Roxane Gay’s “Difficult Women,” or seeking out blogs and social media accounts from gender equality activists online. International Women’s Day is about appreciating the contributions of women to society and envisioning a more equal world for the future. However you decide to celebrate women this March, keep in mind that no matter who you are or where you come from, we all have the power to change our world for the better. 3 WAYS TO HONOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The second factor that makes trucking accidents different from regular car accidents is the fact that truck drivers

have different obligations while on the road. Rather than simply being a commuter, truck drivers are working when they drive. As such, they are not simply representing

themselves when they’re on the road; they’re also representing a company.

When an accident does happen, these extra considerations lead to increased scrutiny of drivers and their companies. In a traditional accident, fault is found with the parties responsible, but trucking cases can involve taking action against trucking companies and the actual manufactures of the trucks. For instance, if a company didn’t properly vet a driver who ends up causing an accident, the company can be held liable.

Understanding trucking regulations and determining who is at fault in a case are confusing matters that are difficult to navigate. That’s why it’s so important to hire an attorney experienced

in trucking accident law. You deserve to receive the highest possible payout for your case, but you won’t get it on your own or by working with a cut-rate attorney. Call our office today to learn about our experience and approach to trucking accident cases. There’s too much at stake to settle for anything less.

2

OUR FIRM CARES

404-526-8857

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online