Strict federal and state regulations ensure road safety and cover various aspects of trucking operations. When trucking companies do not follow national safety rules regulating the use of large commercial vehicles, everyone on the road is in danger. Violating these limits can result in hefty fines and penalties.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a federal trucking law violation in Bloomfield, an experienced commercial vehicle attorney at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC can review your circumstances and help you file a claim. We understand the intricate regulations governing your situation and the legal options that you have the right to pursue when these laws are ignored. We are also committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation our clients need to recover and move forward.
Understanding Federal Trucking Laws
The trucking industry is highly regulated at the state and federal levels for a reason. The laws and regulations help keep other motorists and pedestrians safe when sharing the road with large commercial trucks. Federal trucking laws typically apply to commercial motor vehicles that are operated across state lines or national borders. There are hundreds of regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which include aspects like:
- Hours of Service (HOS): To prevent fatigue, truckers may only drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They must take breaks and cannot drive more than 60 hours in a week.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): To ensure drivers are properly trained and qualified, they must pass knowledge and skill tests, undergo background checks, and meet medical standards to obtain a CDL.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections: Regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs are mandatory to ensure trucks are roadworthy. Drivers must also conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: To maintain a drug-free and sober driving environment, drivers are subject to pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
- Weight Limits and Cargo Securement: Trucks must adhere to weight limits, and cargo must be properly secured to avoid shifting during transit to prevent accidents caused by overweight vehicles or unsecured loads.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Drivers must use ELDs to log their hours of service electronically. The purpose of this regulation is to accurately record driving hours and ensure compliance with HOS rules.
If you believe that a federal trucking law violation caused your collision, it is wise to speak with our Bloomfield lawyers about the success of your potential lawsuit.
Types of Commercial Truck Wrecks
Many things can go wrong when a trucker violates the laws regulating things like load weight, hours of service, and vehicle maintenance. Some of the most common types of resulting accidents in these situations include:
- Jackknife accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when a truck with two separate parts folds in on itself at the point of separation, forming a 90-degree “v” shape. For example, an overloaded truck can cause the trailer to swing out and form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking or loss of traction.
- Rollover accidents: A rollover car accident occurs when a vehicle falls onto its side or roof in a collision. Depending on the force of the collision, the vehicle may roll over multiple times. Rollover car crashes usually involve only one vehicle but can also occur when two or more vehicles collide.
- Tire blowouts: This is when someone’s tire pops or blows out and goes flat. Vehicles often lose control when that happens. Commercial trucks are heavy, with a significant amount of pressure on the tires. Excessive weight can cause tires to overheat and blow out, leading to loss of control and potential multi-vehicle collisions.
- Wide-turn accidents: Large 18-wheeler trucks need extra space to attempt right turns. If they fail to turn widely enough, their rear wheels can hit the curb and cause the truck to roll over. This only worsens when the truck is too heavy or improperly loaded.
- Rear-end truck accidents: These accidents occur when one vehicle hits the back of another as a result of following too closely, speeding, distraction, inattentiveness, or brake failure. Rear-ends by big trucks can be fatal. Because trucks have longer stopping distances, they are more likely to rear-end other vehicles in sudden traffic stops.
Our dedicated Bloomfield lawyers will do everything possible to hold the negligent parties accountable after you have experienced a wreck with a driver who violated federal laws.
Reach Out to a Bloomfield Attorney to Learn More About Federal Trucking Laws
There are strict federal and state regulations governing commercial trucks. Violating these limits is illegal and can result in hefty fines and penalties. If you or a loved one has experienced such a crash, seeking legal assistance can help hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure they do not repeat it. When we are asked to investigate a trucking accident with injuries, or a death, one of the first things we will do is check if the federal regulations were violated. We are ready to provide you with small firm attention with big firm resources. Reach out to Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC for a consultation after an accident that resulted from violating federal trucking laws in Bloomfield.
