Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow local, state, and federal laws to prevent hazards and accidents on the road. However, truck drivers face unreasonable demands, from strict delivery schedules to long hours on the road, which can result in truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, talk to a Truck accident lawyer in Atlanta immediately.
How Trucking Regulations Can Affect Your Truck Accident Case
The laws and regulations play a major role in the compensation pursued by the victims of truck accidents and can impact the future of their claims or lawsuit.
Federal trucking regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces the federal rules that truck drivers must adhere to. The following are some of the most important rules that trucking companies and their workers must follow:
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Hours of Service
Federal laws limit a truck driver’s driving time in a single day and within break periods. Drivers carrying passengers and drivers carrying goods are subject to different rules. The laws and regulations exist to reduce the number of accidents due to fatigued driving when drivers push themselves to meet deadlines.
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Truck Maintenance
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their trucks are safe for the roads and would not endanger anyone else. They must keep meticulous records of all inspections and maintenance.
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Training Requirements
Trucking companies must guarantee that their drivers have received sufficient training in proper driving methods and regulations and that they hold a commercial driver’s license.
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Drug and Alcohol Testing
According to federal laws, truck drivers must be checked for drugs and alcohol at regular intervals. There are also rules for managers and supervisors trained to detect drug impairment.
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Illnesses and impaired driving
Truck drivers must pass a Department of Transportation physical, and they also cannot drive if illness or fatigue could impact their driving in any way.
State trucking regulations
The state laws for truck drivers vary from state to state. However, the state laws need to be followed by the truck drivers who find themselves in that state. The state laws are just as important as the federal laws and must be followed strictly.
Have you been injured in a trucking accident?
You do not have to suffer in silence if you or a loved one has sustained damages in a truck accident. Reach out to an experienced truck accident attorney and get the legal guidance you deserve.
