Representation For Accidents Caused By Violations Of Federal Trucking Regulations

Big commercial shipping trucks are subject to stringent government regulations that apply to how they are operated – but not every trucking company complies with the rules. When the rules are broken, wrecks happen, and people get seriously injured.

Accidents involving commercial vehicles are among the most devastating. The lawyer at Sam Dennis Law has decades of experience successfully fighting for the rights of injury victims in Valdosta, across Georgia and throughout the nation.

Why Are Federal Truck Regulations Necessary?

Federal truck regulations exist to ensure the safety, efficiency and fairness of the trucking industry. These regulations are primarily implemented and enforced by government agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Regulations also address issues such as cargo securement, hazardous materials transportation and vehicle inspections to safeguard the public from potential dangers associated with trucking.

Simply put, the trucking industry is under tremendous pressure to get deliveries done. Without federal truck regulations enforcing rules that are designed to protect truck drivers and every other motorist on the road, trucking companies would have nothing stopping them from pushing drivers and their vehicles past their limits.

What Are Some Of The Most Critical FMCSA Regulations?

Numerous federal motor carrier safety regulations apply to all aspects of the trucking industry. Some of the most critical commercial vehicle rules relate to:

• Hours of service: Hours of service regulations establish the amount of time that a commercial driver can spend behind the wheel without adequate rest breaks to prevent fatigue.
• Electronic logging devices (ELDs): ELDs are mandated in commercial motor vehicles to electronically track drivers’ hours of service. These replace the paper logbooks that were easily altered.
• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) standards: These establish driver training requirements and testing requirements for commercial drivers to make certain that drivers are competent and physically capable of doing the job.
• Drug and alcohol testing: Federal regulations mandate preemployment drug and alcohol screenings for drivers as well as random testing and post-accident testing to keep drivers with substance abuse issues off the road.
• Vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance: Commercial vehicles need regular inspections and repairs to make sure that they are in safe operating condition. Truck maintenance helps make certain that critical mechanical failures do not lead to avoidable accidents.
• Weight limits and load distributions: Federal regulations specify weight limits and load distributions for commercial vehicles for several reasons, not the least of which is making certain that 18-wheelers are stable while in motion.
• Cargo securement: Proper cargo securement helps reduce the risk of shifts and spills that can create extremely hazardous conditions on the road. In addition, regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials are imposed to minimize additional risks.
• Insurance coverage: Commercial trucking companies are subject to minimum insurance coverage rules that help protect victims of crashes.

Compliance with these critical federal motor carrier safety regulations is essential for promoting a culture of safety, preventing commercial vehicle accidents, and protecting the well-being of semi-truck drivers, passengers and the public at large.

What Are The Consequences Of FMCSA Violations That Cause Accidents?

When these rules are violated and people get hurt, that can form the basis for a personal injury suit against the trucking company and others. The trucking company, rather than just the driver, may be responsible for your property damage, accident-related medical bills, lost wages and more.

Proof that a company violated FMCSA or other regulations can make it much easier to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies. Attorney Sam Dennis understands where to look for the evidence and how to leverage what is found for a successful outcome to your claim.

Are You A Truck Accident Victim? Call A Lawyer In Valdosta.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck wreck, make no mistake: You need an experienced, dedicated attorney to make sure that evidence that supports your claim is preserved and that you are treated fairly by the insurance companies involved.

Call 229-244-4428 or contact the office online to schedule your free initial consultation.