Federal Trucking Regulations
The Rules of the Road
All trucking companies and truck drivers in Nebraska and throughout the United States must abide by a variety of federal motor carrier regulations that were created to ensure the safety of every driver on the road. From the number of consecutive hours that a truck driver can spend behind the wheel to the weight and size limitations on 18-wheelers, these laws provide comprehensive guidelines for truckers to follow.
When a truck accident is caused, it may be discovered that the truck driver or the trucking company has failed to adhere to these important regulations. In some cases, trucking companies did not conduct the mandatory drug and alcohol testing before hiring drivers. In other situations, the provided weight limits for the truck was not followed. Whatever your accident may entail, our legal team at Domina Law Group will thoroughly investigate the possibility of these violations. We have handled hundreds of cases throughout Nebraska, and we know how to build a compelling case on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Important Trucking Regulations
Also known as FMCSRs, federal motor carrier safety regulations are easy to understand for the most part. One of the most critical provisions under the FMCSR is the hours-of-service regulations that commercial truck drivers must follow. Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents, and therefore drivers are limited by law in the number of daily and weekly hours that they can drive a commercial truck. Drivers must have 10 consecutive hours off before they can drive again, and a typical work day cannot consist of more than 11 hours of driving. In order to hold drivers accountable for their hours, every driver is required to document their time in a log.
Another violation that leads to many truck accidents in failure involves weight limits. The FMCSR limits the maximum gross vehicle weight to 80,000 for trucks on the interstate, and this regulation is designed to protect the condition of the highways and bridges that our nation has invested in. When trucks weigh over this limit, they are a danger to other drivers on the road. If you suspect that your accident was caused because of an overloaded truck, do not hesitate to seek help from a truck accident attorney. Our firm will immediately conduct an investigation to determine if the truck was over the weight limit.
The maintenance and repair of commercial trucks is an essential part to avoiding accidents caused by wear and tear. By conducting regular safety inspections, trucking companies can keep their drivers safe and keep their trucks in pristine condition as well. Something as small as the failure of a big-rig's brake lights may cause a passenger car to crash into the back of the rig, but this accident can be easily avoided by following the regulations provided. Far too many trucking companies skip out on the routine safety inspections and driver training because they are trying to save time and cut costs. If a truck defect has led to a serious accident that injured you or your family, you must take action to hold the negligent parties accountable.
Dedicated Legal Protection After Your Accident
Regardless of the circumstances of your accident, it is always wise to have a truck accident attorney conduct an external investigation into the factors that caused the accident. The unique perspective and experience of your attorney will play a major role in your ability to recover the compensation you need after a serious accident, and our firm has what you need to move forward with a claim. A Nebraska truck accident lawyer at our firm will explain your rights and answer your common questions about accident claims, so call today and schedule your free consultation!
