In the trucking industry, multiple regulations exist that help to keep truck drivers and all others on the road safe from harm. However, some drivers and companies ignore regulations because it helps protect their profits and bottom line. Whenever this happens, it can cause a severe accident to occur, resulting in catastrophic harm.
Regulation violations can significantly impact someone’s ability to operate a truck safely. Here are some of the most important regulations to know about:
- Hours of Service Regulations
- Weight Restrictions
- Maintenance Requirements
Call our firm at (805) 628-4967 if you suffer injuries because of a truck accident.
Hours of Service Regulations
The trucking industry limits how many hours a truck driver can drive before they must take a break. The Hours of Service regulations exist to prevent drivers from being fatigued and causing a significant accident. It also details how many hours a truck driver must be off duty before they can start their shift and drive.
In some situations, trucking companies encourage drivers to work beyond the hours allowed under regulations. They try to maximize profits; however, they put countless drivers at risk when they don’t abide by set regulations.
The Hours of Service regulations also tell truck drivers when they must take breaks and how long they must last. It’s vital for everyone in the trucking industry to abide by the Hours of Service regulations to prevent fatigue and the crashes that often come with the driver’s impaired state.
Weight Restrictions
Depending on how many axles the commercial truck has, specific weight limits come into play. However, no truck can weigh more than 80,000 pounds with its trailer and cargo. As such, it’s vital for the trucking company to make sure that the truck is weighed properly and loaded evenly.
When a truck’s cargo weighs more than it should, there are several risks involved, including:
- The increased weight can cause problems on the hitch, causing the trailer to detach. A detached trailer can run into any other vehicle on the road.
- The increased weight can increase the risk of the truck turning over on a sharp turn.
- The increased weight can cause the truck to go down a steep highway faster, potentially putting all vehicles in front of the truck at risk.
It’s also crucial to ensure that the trailer is properly and evenly loaded. When one side of the trailer weighs more than the other, it increases the risk of the truck turning over. The trailer can turn over, pulling the truck with it and crashing into any vehicle nearby.
Maintenance Requirements
Trucking companies or truck owners must ensure that they properly maintain the trucks that they send out. The trucks should be thoroughly checked to ensure any problems are remedied. If the trucking company doesn’t maintain the vehicle, it can lead to a severe crash.
Maintenance should include checking all components of the engine, brakes and tires, towing hitch, cables, windshield wipers, and more. Without maintenance, the driver may not even be able to control whether they cause a crash.
Following a crash involving a large commercial truck, you should know your rights. There may be multiple parties at fault for the accident, and you deserve to hold them accountable for their negligence. Our team will be there and stand by your side to help you safeguard your options to pursue compensation.
When you work with Crane Flores, LLP, you get a team of truck accident lawyers who know the regulations and laws concerning the trucking industry. We’ll stand in your corner, working to determine how much you recover and seeking maximum compensation on your behalf. We’ve got your back.
Contact our firm today at (805) 628-4967 to discuss your case in a free consultation.