If you witness a truck driver behaving dangerously, you have the option to report them. By doing so, you may prevent a severe or even fatal truck accident. Alternatively, it can serve as critical evidence if a collision does occur.
Call 911 if you believe the unsafe truck driver might cause an accident. Even if you are unsure if you should, it is the safest course of action to keep others on the road safe if your gut feeling is saying something is not right. Be prepared to give the operator any information you can about the truck and its driver, including a description and any part of the license plate number if possible.
If you are not in immediate danger but wish to report an unsafe truck driver, you may contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) when you get a chance. The sooner you file the complaint, the better, but you have 90 days to do so. The FMCSA is a division of the Department of Transportation (DOT) that issues federal trucking regulations and laws and enforces them. An FMCSA complaint can be filed online or by calling 888-DOT-SAFT. It will be investigated, and any discovered violations can carry hefty fines and may result in a truck driver and/or trucking company’s operating license being suspended.
State and local governments also impose their own rules and regulations. If you believe a truck driver is violating a law, you can contact the appropriate state regulatory agency. In California, that would be the California Department of Transportation.
Common complaints regarding unsafe truck drivers include the following:
If you have been involved in an accident caused by an unsafe truck driver and suffered severe injuries, you may have the right to compensation. To discuss your legal options, arrange a free consultation with a San Diego truck accident lawyer today.