The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implements laws that regulate big rigs in the United States. FMCSA’s regulations are broad and impose strict fines and penalties if they aren’t adhered to. To keep our roadways safe, every semi on the road is held to compliance.
Working Hours
Commercial truck drivers are limited to driving only 14 hours within a duty period and are only allowed 11 hours of uninterrupted driving – with a mandatory break of 30 minutes after every 8 hours. Moreover, the 14-hour-maximum day must include all breaks and fuel stops in the final time analysis (these breaks cannot be subtracted out). A semi-truck driver’s hours get even more restrictive from here – with caps for the week and mandatory consecutive hours off. Any violation of these restrictions can carry penalties and fines for both the driver and the truck company; criminal federal penalties can be implemented if the violation is determined to be willfully and knowingly committed.
Truck Maintenance
It’s not only the driver who needs to be in good working order but also the 18-wheeler itself. Motor carriers are obligated to maintain their fleet in good working repair. This includes regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance on every commercial truck every day. The truck’s driver must also conduct periodic rig inspections and complete a thorough post-trip inspection every day that identifies any problems, deficiencies, or defects that the driver encountered during the day’s driving.
Violations for Overloading
Different states implement different weight limitations for their highways and byways. Commercial trucks must heed these limitations or face state-enforced penalties.
Semi accidents in Texas can get very complicated very quickly. If you’ve been injured in a tractor-trailer collision, you need a skilled semi crash attorney who will defend your interests and protect your rights.
Contact an Experienced Houston 18-Wheeler Wreck Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in a big rig collision that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you know how devastating that can be. You need a knowledgeable Houston lawyer who has experience in tractor-trailer wrecks.
At Stewart J. Guss, Attorney at law, we understand this complicated process because we’ve been in the business for over 20 years. We will thoroughly investigate your case, work with the insurance company to obtain your rightful compensation, and when necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf. If you or your loved one has been involved in a commercial truck collision, don’t hesitate to give our team a call at 800-898-4877. Your consultation is free, and you never pay anything until we obtain the settlement or award that you deserve. CLICK HERE to see Stewart interviewed as an authority on trucking accident cases by Mike Papantonio on his national news program, “America’s Lawyer.”