Truck accidents are a growing concern for many Ohio motorists; however, when semi-trucks are deemed too hazardous for public safety, the concern becomes even greater.
Last month, a semi-truck operated by Garfield Trucking, LLC, which is based out of Jefferson, Ohio, was pulled over for a safety inspection by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
During the inspection, the truck was found to be in violation of 43 safety regulations, 13 of which were considered out-of-service violations, meaning the semi-truck was too unsafe to be in operation.
The trucks list of out-of-service violations included defective and inoperable brakes, a cracked truck frame, an improperly secured load, and log books with intentionally falsified driver hours.
Immediately following the inspection, the FMCSA declared the truck a public safety hazard. Because additional trucks owned by Garfield Trucking had previously received out-of-service violations that had yet to be resolved, the company was ordered to cease all trucking operations.
When investigators from the FMCSA visited Garfield Trucking to conduct further safety compliance reviews, they found an out-of-business sign on the building, even though the company and its trucks were still in operation.
By continuing to operate despite multiple out-of-service violations, and by failing to comply with regulations designed to prevent overly-fatigued drivers, Garfield Trucking is substantially increasing the likelihood of serious truck accidents which could severely injury or cause the death of Ohio drivers and passengers.
Currently, Garfield Trucking is thought to be in full operation, regardless of the company’s federal orders to cease all interstate and intrastate transportation.
Operating with a public safety hazard violation could result in civil penalties up to $60,000, as well as a criminal penalties, including a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.
If you or someone you love have been the victim of a semi-truck accident caused by another party’s negligence, contact the truck accident attorneys at O’Connor Acciani & Levy today. Our injury lawyers will fight tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve.
