The trucking industry has specific regulations to ensure that everyone on the road is safe from harm. Not only do they protect truck drivers, but they also protect motorists and motorcyclists who are at risk of severe injury should a crash occur. Unfortunately, violations run rampant in the industry when trucking company owners push for timelines and ignore safety.
Recognizing the regulations that truckers and owners must follow can help you identify negligent actions on the road. When negligence exists in a trucking accident, the crash can cause some of the most catastrophic injuries and lifelong damages. It helps to work with a lawyer to pursue compensation and show where regulation violations exist.
These are three trucking industry regulations you should know:
- Weight restrictions
- Hours of Service
- Inspection, maintenance, and repair
If you suffer injuries in a truck accident, call our firm today at (321) 233-9885.
Weight Restrictions
Weight restrictions consider the size of the truck, the trailer, and the cargo within the trailer. Some roads have specific weight limits, and there are maximum restrictions for the different number of axles on a truck; however, the federal maximum limits trucks to 80,000 lbs. Fewer axles mean less weight, and trucking companies must abide by these restrictions.
If a truck weighs more than federal limits, it creates significant dangers including the risk of jackknifing, trailer detachment, and difficulty stopping. In any case, a truck that exceeds its given weight limit can cause a devastating collision, and it’s often passengers in the smaller vehicles who suffer the most harm.
Hours of Service Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlines how long a truck driver can work at a given time. The regulations separate work into two categories that include working within the job description and driving. Truck drivers can work so many hours consecutively, but they may only drive for so much time before they must take a break. The Hours of Service regulations work to help prevent fatigue.
Unfortunately, fatigue is one of the worst dangers on the road. Lack of sleep is often equal to intoxication, leading to some of the worst damages possible. When a truck driver is tired, they experience reduced decision making, cognitive impairment, and other issues that may result in a crash.
Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair
Like all drivers, those who own and operate large commercial trucks must perform regular inspections, maintenance, and repair. Checking all components that can experience wear and tear is crucial, allowing the truck owner to perform any necessary repairs and keep the truck safe from harm.
In some cases, a truck accident can occur because a component fails. It can be due to a lack of maintenance or because of a product defect. However, it’s also on truck drivers and the trucking company to fully inspect the truck before leaving the warehouse. Failure to do so can impact liability.
Trucking regulations include numerous other restrictions and ways to keep truckers and other drivers safe, like prohibiting drug and alcohol abuse. Keep in mind, though, some companies put profits over safety, and it’s in these times that many severe accidents occur.
At Nance Cacciatore, we work hard to help those who suffer some of the most severe injuries because of negligence. In a trucking accident, you need someone on your side who knows the regulations and how to prove liability.
Our Melbourne truck accident attorneys have been representing the people of Florida since 1963. Protecting your rights is what we do best, and you can be sure that when you choose our board-certified injury attorneys to be on your side, you’ll receive nothing but excellence in everything we do.
