Federal Trucking Regulations
Injured? Contact A Truck Accident Attorney In Albuquerque Today.
Many trucking accidents occur as a result of a truck driver’s failure to adhere to government safety regulations. Ranging from proper cargo loading techniques to mandatory rest breaks, these safety standards established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are designed to keep motorists safe and minimize the risk of truck accidents. Violating these guidelines can put innocent people at risk and cause a truck driver to have their commercial driver’s license (CDL) suspended. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by a violation of government safety regulations, an Albuquerque truck accident attorney from Berenson & Associates, PC can help you seek compensation for your suffering.
Countless clients have chosen us to handle their cases for the following reasons:
- More than 25 years’ legal experience
- Fluent in English, Spanish and Bahasa Indonesian
- Certified in accident reconstruction techniques
- Powerful courtroom presence
Call 505-227-8315 to discuss your situation with a trusted legal professional from our firm.
How Long Can Drivers Work Without Rest?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has mandated that truck drivers must take a 30 minute rest break for every eight hours spent driving. If a driver reaches their maximum allowed hours in a week, they are required to take a 34-hour break before returning to work. Drivers are required to take these breaks to avoid disruptions in their circadian sleep-wake cycles, reducing their chances of falling asleep while driving. Despite these regulations, drivers may skip these breaks to keep up with deadlines and reach their destination within their employer’s designated window of time.
Federal law dictates that commercial drivers may not:
- Drive more than 11 hours in a day
- Drive more than 70 hours in a week
- Work more than 14 hours per day
Maintaining Vehicles And Securing Cargo
In addition to hours of service requirements, trucking companies are required to perform frequent safety inspections of their trucks. This includes checking the integrity of tire treads, replacing windshield wipers, changing headlights & taillights, inspecting trailer hitches, and replacing worn brakes as necessary. Skipping inspections can lead to mechanical failure on the roads, leading to accidents.
Part of these inspections also involves examining how cargo is loaded onto a vehicle’s trailer. Without an oversize load permit, most trucks are only permitted to weigh a maximum of 80,000 pounds Overloading or under loading can inhibit a truck’s maneuverability and alter its center of gravity, causing jackknifing and rollover accidents. Cargo that is not properly tied down with dunnage bags, shoring bars, and tie-downs can shift in transit and possibly come loose, striking nearby vehicles. Proper cargo loading techniques are crucial, especially if a truck is transporting hazardous materials such as gasoline or caustic chemicals.
Hire A Top-Notch Albuquerque Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a truck driver’s violation of a federal safety mandate, an experienced Albuquerque truck accident attorney from Berenson & Associates can examine the details of your accident and craft a strategy that maximizes your chances of securing a fair settlement in court. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to recover compensation for losses related to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Nobody should have to suffer the consequences of a negligent truck driver’s actions. Let us put our skills and vast legal knowledge to work for you so you can focus on your recovery with peace of mind.
Contact us online or request a free case evaluation to review your legal options.